Best Laptops for Graphic Designers in 2024

Graphic designers demand a lot from their laptops. They need powerful processors, color-accurate displays, and lightning-fast performance to handle intensive design software like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and Blender. In 2024, the market offers a stunning array of laptops that balance power, speed, and style—all while being portable enough for creatives on the go. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring designer, here’s a roundup of the best laptops for graphic designers in 2024.

1. Apple MacBook Pro M3 (16-inch) – The Ultimate Powerhouse for Designers

Apple’s MacBook Pro series has long been a favorite among graphic designers, and the 2024 MacBook Pro M3 with its 16-inch Retina display is nothing short of a game-changer. Powered by Apple’s M3 chip, it delivers unparalleled performance, allowing designers to run multiple intensive apps without any lag. The Liquid Retina XDR display offers an incredibly wide color gamut and outstanding brightness, making it perfect for design work that requires precision and detail.

With up to 32GB of unified memory and 1TB of storage, the MacBook Pro M3 can handle the most complex design projects, whether you’re working in 4K video editing or 3D rendering. Plus, its impressive battery life ensures that you can work anywhere without being tied to a charger.

Key Features:

16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with P3 wide color gamut

M3 chip for powerful, energy-efficient performance

Up to 32GB unified memory and 1TB SSD storage

Up to 18 hours of battery life

For designers who want the ultimate combination of power and precision, the MacBook Pro M3 remains the top choice.

2. Dell XPS 17 – Best Windows Laptop for Graphic Designers

The Dell XPS 17 is a Windows-based beast that competes head-to-head with the MacBook Pro. Known for its sleek design and powerful hardware, this laptop features a 17-inch 4K UHD+ display with almost zero bezels, offering a truly immersive experience. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card ensures that you can work seamlessly with high-resolution images and 3D rendering tasks.

Powered by the 12th Gen Intel Core i9 processor and up to 64GB of RAM, the XPS 17 is designed to run demanding graphic design software, allowing you to multitask with ease. Its color-accurate display makes it ideal for photo editing, illustration, and animation.

Key Features:

17-inch 4K UHD+ InfinityEdge display

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU for high-performance graphics

Intel Core i9 processor with up to 64GB of RAM

Ultra-thin design with premium build quality

For Windows users who need a powerful yet stylish device, the Dell XPS 17 is one of the best laptops for graphic designers in 2024.

3. Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 – A Powerhouse for Designers and Gamers

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 is typically marketed as a gaming laptop, but its incredible performance makes it one of the best choices for graphic designers in 2024. Powered by the Intel Core i9-13900H processor and the NVIDIA RTX 4070 graphics card, this laptop can handle the most demanding design and rendering software with ease.

The 16-inch QHD+ display with 165Hz refresh rate ensures that visuals are sharp, fluid, and vibrant—making it ideal for video editing and motion design. Additionally, the Adaptive-Sync technology minimizes screen tearing, providing a seamless design experience.

Key Features:

Intel Core i9-13900H processor for top-tier performance

NVIDIA RTX 4070 GPU for intensive graphic tasks

165Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals

Advanced cooling system for extended heavy use

For designers who also enjoy gaming or need a machine that can handle both high-intensity rendering and fun in their downtime, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 is a fantastic option.

4. HP Spectre x360 (14-inch) – Style Meets Versatility

The HP Spectre x360 has long been celebrated for its stunning design, but the 2024 model brings even more to the table for graphic designers. The 14-inch 3K2K OLED display delivers rich, vibrant colors with deep contrast, making it ideal for color-sensitive design tasks. Powered by the latest Intel Core i7 processor and Iris Xe Graphics, this 2-in-1 convertible laptop balances power and portability perfectly.

One of the Spectre x360’s standout features is its 360-degree hinge, allowing designers to switch between laptop, tablet, and tent modes. This flexibility is perfect for illustrators and artists who want to use a stylus for sketching or retouching images directly on the screen.

Key Features:

14-inch 3K2K OLED display with touch capability

Intel Core i7 processor and Intel Iris Xe Graphics

2-in-1 convertible design with 360-degree hinge

Lightweight and portable with a sleek design

For designers who value both style and versatility, the HP Spectre x360 delivers everything you need to fuel your creativity on the go.

5. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio – Best for Creatives on the Move

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio is a powerful and versatile laptop that transforms effortlessly between a traditional laptop and a creative canvas. Its 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow display offers a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and its stylus support makes it the ideal choice for designers who work with digital art and photo retouching.

Equipped with the Intel Core i7 processor and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics, the Surface Laptop Studio is powerful enough to handle design, video editing, and 3D modeling tasks. The Surface Slim Pen 2 offers incredible precision, allowing you to draw or retouch directly on the screen with ease.

Key Features:

14.4-inch PixelSense Flow display with 120Hz refresh rate

Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti

Seamlessly switches between laptop, stage, and studio modes

Stylus support with the Surface Slim Pen 2

For digital artists and designers who need flexibility and precision in their workflow, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio offers a perfect balance of power, speed, and creativity.

6. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 – Best Workstation for Designers

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 is designed for professionals who need a durable yet powerful laptop. Its 16-inch 4K display supports 100% Adobe RGB, ensuring true-to-life colors for photo editing, video production, and graphic design. Powered by the Intel Core i9 processor and the NVIDIA RTX 3080 GPU, this laptop is a beast when it comes to handling high-end design software and multitasking.

The ThinkPad X1 Extreme is also known for its legendary keyboard and build quality, making it a reliable workhorse for design professionals who need to work long hours without discomfort.

Key Features:

16-inch 4K display with 100% Adobe RGB support

Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA RTX 3080 graphics

Legendary ThinkPad durability and ergonomic keyboard

MIL-SPEC tested for reliability in any environment

For graphic designers looking for a workstation that offers both performance and durability, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 is the perfect choice.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best laptop for graphic design in 2024 requires a balance of power, speed, and style. Whether you’re drawn to the sleek power of the Apple MacBook Pro, the versatility of the HP Spectre x360, or the raw performance of the Dell XPS 17, there’s a laptop tailored to every designer’s needs.

Investing in the right laptop not only enhances your workflow but also ensures you have a tool that can keep up with the demands of modern graphic design software. These laptops offer the best combination of performance, portability, and cutting-edge features—ensuring you stay ahead of the curve in the fast-paced world of design.