The best laptops for design: Top choices for graphic designers & architects (Buying Guide)

The best laptops for design: Top choices for graphic designers & architects (Buying Guide)

If you want to run heavy programs without smoke coming out and complete time-consuming tasks more efficiently, here you will learn the essentials for choosing the right laptop.

Size

If you want to move around frequently with your laptop, prefer something between 13.3” to 14.5”, while if portability is not so important, choose a larger screen for more clarity and comfort, such as 15” to 17”.

Processor

Here you will need something very powerful. If you are on a budget, a Core i7 or Ryzen 7 will perform satisfactorily in most programs.

However, if you are interested in rendering 3D graphics and video editing in fast times, it is worth investing in a Core i9 or Ryzen 9, as they are the most powerful generation of processors.

RAM Memory

A value for money solution is to find a laptop with at least 16GB RAM memory, as it will ensure smooth operation, even with heavy multitasking.

However, if you are into programming or running programs like Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, CAD, MATLAB, R, and Python, opt for 32GB, as you will see a noticeable difference in speed and performance.

Graphics Card

If you do not engage in video editing, you will be fine with the integrated card that will be in your processor.

However, if your needs involve graphics, video, and motion, then the laptop should have a dedicated graphics card for maximum performance.

Prefer the latest generations of cards from Nvidia and AMD, the RTX 40 series and RX 7000 series respectively. For maximum performance and a future-proof laptop, invest in RTX 4080 & 4090 or in RX 7700 & RX 7900.

Storage Space

If you store files that take up a lot of space like video, opt for a model with at least 1TB of memory.

For simpler use, 512GB will be sufficient, as you can always get an external SSD to have it easily with you everywhere.

And if you are an Apple User?

If you prefer Apple products and software, then we won't tire you. The table below has everything you need to know about the ideal model, depending on the use you want.

Usage Model
Multitasking MacBook Pro M3
Programming / Graphic Design / Engineering MacBook Pro with M3 Pro
3D / Graphic Editing MacBook Pro with M3 Max

The top recommendations in laptops

The best value for money for multitasking

  • Asus UX3405MA-OLED-PP731X 14" 120Hz (Ultra 7-155H/16GB/1TB SSD/W11 Pro) (GR Keyboard)

    Asus UX3405MA-OLED-PP731X 14" 120Hz (Ultra 7-155H/16GB/1TB SSD/W11 Pro) (GR Keyboard)

    0
    0
    from 1.278,00 €
  • Asus Vivobook S 14 Flip TN3402YA-OLED-KN731W 14" (Ryzen 7-7730U/16GB/1TB SSD/W11 Home) (GR Keyboard)

    Asus Vivobook S 14 Flip TN3402YA-OLED-KN731W 14" (Ryzen 7-7730U/16GB/1TB SSD/W11 Home) (GR Keyboard)

    1
    4
    1
    from 949,00 €
  • HP ProBook 450 G9 15.6" IPS FHD (i7-1255U/16GB/512GB SSD/W11 Pro) Silver (US Keyboard)

    HP ProBook 450 G9 15.6" IPS FHD (i7-1255U/16GB/512GB SSD/W11 Pro) Silver (US Keyboard)

    from 959,00 €
  • Apple MacBook Pro 14" (2023) 14.2" Retina Display 120Hz (M3-8-core/16GB/1TB SSD) Space Gray (International English Keyboard)

    Apple MacBook Pro 14" (2023) 14.2" Retina Display 120Hz (M3-8-core/16GB/1TB SSD) Space Gray (International English Keyboard)

    2
    5
    2
    2.978,09 €
  • MSI Modern 15 B7M 15.6" FHD (Ryzen 7-7730U/16GB/512GB SSD/W11 Home) Classic Black (GR Keyboard)

    MSI Modern 15 B7M 15.6" FHD (Ryzen 7-7730U/16GB/512GB SSD/W11 Home) Classic Black (GR Keyboard)

    1
    5
    1
    from 635,00 €

The best for demanding programs and heavy multitasking

  • Asus ZenBook S 14 UX3405MA-OLED-PP456X 14" 120Hz (Ultra 9-185H/32GB/1TB SSD/W11 Pro) Ponder Blue (GR Keyboard)

    Asus ZenBook S 14 UX3405MA-OLED-PP456X 14" 120Hz (Ultra 9-185H/32GB/1TB SSD/W11 Pro) Ponder Blue (GR Keyboard)

    0
    0
    from 1.471,00 €
  • Apple MacBook Pro 14" (2023) 14.2" Retina Display 120Hz (M3-Pro 11-Core/18GB/512GB SSD) Space Black (US Keyboard)

    Apple MacBook Pro 14" (2023) 14.2" Retina Display 120Hz (M3-Pro 11-Core/18GB/512GB SSD) Space Black (US Keyboard)

    7
    5
    7
    from 2.400,00 €
  • MSI Modern 15 B13M-010US 15.6" FHD (i9-13900H/32GB/1TB SSD/W11 Home) (US Keyboard)

    MSI Modern 15 B13M-010US 15.6" FHD (i9-13900H/32GB/1TB SSD/W11 Home) (US Keyboard)

    0
    0
    from 1.067,00 €
  • Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 1 16" IPS (i9-13900H/32GB/1TB SSD/W11 Pro) (International English Keyboard)

    Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 1 16" IPS (i9-13900H/32GB/1TB SSD/W11 Pro) (International English Keyboard)

    0
    0
    from 2.785,96 €
  • Apple MacBook Pro 14" (2023) 14.2" Retina Display 120Hz (M3-8-core/8GB/512GB SSD) Space Gray (GR Keyboard)

    Apple MacBook Pro 14" (2023) 14.2" Retina Display 120Hz (M3-8-core/8GB/512GB SSD) Space Gray (GR Keyboard)

    1
    5
    1
    from 2.035,00 €

The best for autocad, 3D and motion editing

  • Lenovo Legion Pro 5 16IRX9 16" IPS 165Hz (i9-14900HX/32GB/1TB SSD/GeForce RTX 4070/) Onyx Grey (GR Keyboard)

    Lenovo Legion Pro 5 16IRX9 16" IPS 165Hz (i9-14900HX/32GB/1TB SSD/GeForce RTX 4070/) Onyx Grey (GR Keyboard)

    0
    0
    from 2.463,55 €
  • Apple MacBook Pro 16" (2023) 16.2" Retina Display 120Hz (M3-Max 14-core/36GB/1TB SSD) Space Black (GR Keyboard)

    Apple MacBook Pro 16" (2023) 16.2" Retina Display 120Hz (M3-Max 14-core/36GB/1TB SSD) Space Black (GR Keyboard)

    0
    0
    from 4.300,00 €
  • Asus ZenBook Pro 14 Duo UX8402VV-OLED-P951X 14.5" QHD (i9-13900H/32GB/2TB SSD/GeForce RTX 4060/W11 Pro) (GR Keyboard)

    Asus ZenBook Pro 14 Duo UX8402VV-OLED-P951X 14.5" QHD (i9-13900H/32GB/2TB SSD/GeForce RTX 4060/W11 Pro) (GR Keyboard)

    from 2.896,85 €
  • MSI Stealth 16 AI Studio A1VHG 16" QHD 240Hz (Ultra 9-185H/32GB/2TB SSD/GeForce RTX 4080/W11 Pro) Star Blue (International English Keyboard)

    MSI Stealth 16 AI Studio A1VHG 16" QHD 240Hz (Ultra 9-185H/32GB/2TB SSD/GeForce RTX 4080/W11 Pro) Star Blue (International English Keyboard)

    0
    0
    from 3.598,00 €
  • MSI Raider GE68HX 14VHG-286US 16" IPS 144Hz (i9-14900HX/64GB/2TB SSD/GeForce RTX 4080/W11 Home) Black (US Keyboard)

    MSI Raider GE68HX 14VHG-286US 16" IPS 144Hz (i9-14900HX/64GB/2TB SSD/GeForce RTX 4080/W11 Home) Black (US Keyboard)

    0
    0
    3.895,00 €
  • Dell XPS 17 9730 17" Touchscreen (i9-13900H/32GB/1TB SSD/GeForce RTX 4070/W11 Pro) (GR Keyboard)

    Dell XPS 17 9730 17" Touchscreen (i9-13900H/32GB/1TB SSD/GeForce RTX 4070/W11 Pro) (GR Keyboard)

    1
    5
    1
    4.712,00 €
  • Apple MacBook Pro 14" (2023) 14.2" Retina Display 120Hz (M3-Max 14-core/36GB/1TB SSD) Silver (GR Keyboard)

    Apple MacBook Pro 14" (2023) 14.2" Retina Display 120Hz (M3-Max 14-core/36GB/1TB SSD) Silver (GR Keyboard)

    2
    5
    2
    from 4.049,00 €

We hope we helped you find the right laptop for your needs!

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