Instead of brushes and canvas, most artists now prefer using applications such as Adobe Photoshop. Most of the newer artists are now slowly converting into digital artists.
Even those who are still using traditional methods are slowly but surely shifting towards being digital artists. But to be a digital artist, your device is equally as important as your skills. That’s because if you have a sub-par laptop, your artwork might not have the desired outcome.
As digital artists run intensive applications most of the time, it’s essential to go for a laptop that houses immense power. For example, things such as CPU, GPU, display, and performance matter greatly when it comes to a laptop for artists.
What do you focus on when thinking about buying a laptop to use in your work as an artist? For starters, a good laptop should have the best processing power. It ought to be able to run the software you use without struggling. The laptop’s RAM is equally a crucial factor. Hard drive speed of roughly 7200RPM and hard drive space of 1TB should be more than adequate for any artistic work that you wish to do. Additionally, remember to look at the laptop’s graphics card, disc drive, and the software (including the operating system) contained therein. However, everything will depend on the kind of software you intend to use in your work.
In today’s article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best laptops for artists.
Let’s begin!
Our Recommendations
- Microsoft Surface Go 2 – Best Overall
- Microsoft Surface Pro 7 – Best In Portability
- HP Spectre x360-13t – Best No-Lag Laptop
- Microsoft Surface Book 2 – Best In Speed
- MacBook Pro – Best In Visuals
- Acer Spin 3 – Best In Efficiency
- Lenovo Chromebook C330 – Best 2-In-1 Laptop
- Lenovo Flex 14 – Best Processing Power
- ASUS ZenBook Pro – Best Display
- LG Gram 17 – Best In Battery Life
- Acer Aspire 5 – Best In Graphics
Microsoft Surface Go 2
Let’s begin with the budget-friendly option. The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is the lightest and most budget-friendly laptop for artists. It provides great value at such a low price.
The CPU of the Surface Go 2 has the 8th gen Intel Pentium Gold m3 Processor. Though the processor is a bit old, it comes with enough power to run all the heavy applications. Meanwhile, the Intel HD Graphics 615 is also sufficient as a portable laptop for artists.
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 comes in 2 main variances. The 4/64 version and the 8/128 version. However, only the 2nd option has an SSD on it. It’s better if you pick the one with 8GB RAM and 128GB SSD storage. The battery is pretty good too as you get 10 hours of backup on a full charge.
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 has a couple of variants in terms of memory and storage. You can pick either 4GB Ram and 64GB storage or 8GB Ram and 128GB SSD storage. We prefer the 2nd option as it comes with fast SSD storage. With 10 hours of battery life, you won’t have to worry about your battery draining too quickly.
This laptop can also be used as both a tablet and a drawing pad making it a perfect laptop for artists. On top of that, the visuals are enhanced by the 10.5” PixelSense Display. The pixel sense technology enhances the sharpness of the pixels to provide a better visual output.
But our only complaint is that there aren’t any keyboard covers inside the packaging. Besides that, the stylus needs to be bought separately too.
Overall, Microsoft Surface Go 2 is an inexpensive portable laptop for artists. If you’re looking for something cheap then go for this one.
Pros
- The 8th gen Intel Pentium Gold m3 Processor runs heavier applications with ease.
- 4/64 and 8/128 GB variants to choose from with the latter one being an SSD storage.
- Good battery life of up to 10 hours.
- The 10.5-inch display is equipped with pixel sense technology that sharpens the visuals.
- Up to 8GB RAM option to choose from.
- Has 4 different operating modes including tablet mode and studio mode.
Cons
- Keyboard cover is not included in the box.
- The stylus needs to be bought separately.
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
If you could bump up your budget by just a bit, this would be an ideal laptop for you. Besides providing portability, this laptop also comes with a good amount of power to its name. I’m talking about the Microsoft Surface Pro 7.
The Surface Pro 7 features the latest 10th Gen Quad-core Intel Core i7-1065G7. To support the processor, you’ve got the Intel Iris Plus Graphics as your GPU. Both of these components are optimized well enough to handle graphic intensive software such as Photoshop and Illustrator.
Surface Pro 7 has a few variants in terms of the RAM amount. It ranges from 4GB LPDDR4x to up to 16GB LPDDR4x RAM. The storage is SSD and it’s 30 times faster than a regular HDD. You can pick up to 1TB SSD storage.
The display of the Surface Pro 7 is a treat to the eyes. It comes with a 12.3” PixelSense Display. The pixel sense of technology enhances pixel rendering to give out more realistic visuals. It also has a studio and tablet mode. The battery life is decent too. You can get up to 10.5 hours of backup on a single charge.
However, it’s missing the Thunderbolt 3 ports. On top of that, the stylus is still not included with the laptop.
Overall, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is the best value-for-money laptop for artists. If you have a moderate budget, there isn’t a better laptop than this one.
Pros
- Features a powerful quad-core 10th gen intel core i-7 processor.
- The Intel Iris Plus is strong enough to run GPU throttling applications.
- Up to 1TB fast SSD storage.
- Option to choose from up to 16GB LPDDR4x RAM.
- A lifelike 12.3” PixelSense Display.
- The decent battery life of up to 10.5 hours
Cons
- Lacks Thunderbolt 3 port.
- The Surface pen doesn’t come with the laptop.
HP Spectre x360-13t
You remember the well-received HP Spectre x360 right? Well the HP Spectre x360-13t is the successor to that laptop. The x360-13t capitalized on the positives of that laptop and made a few tweaks to make things even more suitable for artists.
The Spectre x360-13t runs on the latest 8th Gen quad-core Intel Core i7-8550U processor. The processor has a base clock speed of 1.8 GHz which can be overclocked up to 4.0 GHz. Meanwhile, the Intel Ultra HD Graphics 620 does a good job of rendering graphical work.
The x360-13T doesn’t lag at all thanks to the fast RAM and storage management. For storage, you’ll get a 512GB Intel H10 Optane NVMe M.2 SSD which is 25 times faster than any normal HDD. On top of that, there’s also 16 GB LPDDR3-2133 SDRAM which ensures that the user doesn’t face any kind of stuttering.
The display is one of the best in this price range. You’ll get a 13.3-inch full-HD display with the x360-13T. It also features an AU Optronics touchscreen which you can use in convertible mode. The battery life on top of that is worth the cash. You’ll get up to 13 hours of battery life on a full charge.
However, the x360-13t has slight overheating issues if used heavily.
Overall, the HP Spectre 13-t is a solid mid-high range laptop for artists. If your budget matches this laptop’s price then don’t think twice about buying it.
Pros
- It runs on the latest 8th Gen quad-core Intel Core i7-8550U processor.
- The Base processor clock speed is overclockable up to 4GHz.
- The superfast 512GB Intel H10 Optane NVMe M.2 SSD is 25 times faster than an HDD.
- Superfast 16 GB LPDDR3-2133 SDRAM.
- The 13.3-inch full-HD display provides clear visuals.
- The battery lasts up to 13 hours on a full charge.
- The AU Optronics touchscreen feels smooth to use.
Cons
- Gets overheated if used roughly.
Microsoft Surface Book 2
If you want to go all out for a Windows laptop, the Microsoft Surface Book 2 would be the ideal choice for you. This laptop has it all! You won’t find a better Windows laptop than this.
The Surface Book 2 runs on an Eighth-gen Intel Quad-Core i7 processor. You can boost up the performance of this processor up to 4.2 GHz. Meanwhile, you’ll also be getting an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 6GB graphics card which can run all of the software you might need as an artist.
Surface Book 2 is one of the fastest laptops thanks to its 16 GB RAM. Not only that, it also comes with SSD storage of up to 1TB. In our experience, we were satisfied with the battery life. You can get up to 17 hours of backup on a full charge.
We were stunned by the visuals provided by the display of Surface Book 2. The 15-inch display has a gigantic resolution of 3240 x 2160. It’s also quite bright at just above 260 nits of brightness. The display also comes with color accuracy technology.
However, the speakers aren’t too loud. On top of that, the accessories are sold separately.
Overall, the Microsoft Surface Book 2 stands as one of the best laptops for artists. You shouldn’t have any doubts about picking this laptop.
Pros
- The eighth-gen Intel Quad-Core i7 processor is overclockable up to 4.2 GHz.
- It can also be used as a tablet.
- Super long 17 hour Battery life.
- The Nvidia GTX 1060 graphics is capable of running high-end applications.
- 16GB superfast DDR4 RAM
- Up to 1TB SSD storage.
Cons
- Accessories are sold separately.
- Speakers aren’t very loud.
MacBook Pro
If you want the best laptop for artists, go for the MacBook Pro. There isn’t any downside to this laptop.
The MacBook Pro has a Ninth-gen Octa-core Intel Core i9 Processor. The Processor is paired up alongside an AMD Radeon Pro 5500M Graphics with 8GB GDDR6 memory.
Storage and RAM have a ridiculous amount of upgradability. You can expand the storage and RAM up to 8TB SSD and 64 GB DDR4 RAM respectively. The MacBook also won’t heat much while using heavy applications as it has 28% increased airflow and 35% increased heat sink.
Ah, the display! We could write an entire paragraph about it! The MacBook has a 16-inch Retina Display. The display provides lifelike visuals thanks to the P3 color gamut and 500 nits of brightness! We were satisfied with the 11-hour battery life too.
The MacBook Pro is expensive. Other than that we didn’t find any reason why you shouldn’t pick this laptop. It’s the best laptop for an artist
Pros
- The 8GB AMD Radeon Pro 5500M graphics can tackle all kinds of heavy applications.
- Up to 8TB SSD storage option.
- Up to 64 GB DDR4 RAM option.
- Doesn’t heat up thanks to 28% increased airflow and 35% increased heat sink.
- The 16-inch Retina display provides lifelike visuals.
- The decent battery life of 11 hours.
- Super strong Ninth-gen Octa-core Intel Core i9 Processor.
Cons
- Very expensive
Acer Spin 3
Regardless of your area of specialty as an artist, you will find the Acer Spin 3 a wonderfully efficient laptop. For starters, it’s rare for Acer to make 2-in-1 laptops. Because of that, you will be pleased to get a computer that has all the top qualities of Acer machines. What is more, it has everything you will need for your work. For example, it comes with 16GB RAM, Intel i7 processor, and a useful 512GB SSD. Furthermore, the laptop is a powerfully convertible machine! Additionally, it’s hard to talk about the attractiveness of this laptop without mentioning its price point. Rarely will you get such an impressive device at a low price. Its robust construction and decent display will leave you with a smile on your face the whole day! Buy this laptop if you’re an artist who needs a machine that gives you value for money!
Pros
- Affordable
- Full HD touch screen
- 1TB storage
- Solid construction
- Useful display
- Four use modes
- Multiple ports available
- SD slot available if you need to expand storage
Cons
- Has no SSD
- Lacks USB-C
- Viewing angles aren’t great
- Jumbo screen bezels
- No keyboard backlit
Lenovo Chromebook C330
Can you imagine what you could do with a 2-in-1 convertible laptop that performs better than the manufacturer promised? If not, you should get Lenovo Chromebook C330. It only needs seconds to boot up and be ready for use! One of the laptop’s most outstanding features is the Chrome OS, which is easy to use. Furthermore, the computer delivers more than the sort of storage and memory that’s unexpected of its kind. That’s not all, though. The machine is not only sleek but also stylish and one of the most secure because of its built-in protection against viruses and all manner of malware. In thickness, it’s less than one inch, too. As if that’s not enough, it guarantees you effortless connectivity in case you need to use the Internet.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Highly comfortable keyboard
- Affordably priced
- A relatively rare HDMI port
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Superb screen quality
- Better than average for gaming
- The touch screen offers an IPS display
Cons
- Resolution can be dull and quite low
- Mediatek chip produces mixed performance
Lenovo Flex 14
With a full HD touch screen display, fewer laptops get anywhere near the quality that Lenovo Flex 14 offers. Start using it, and you will realize why more artists are flocking to order it! Its processor is not only powerful but also highly efficient. What is more, it performs remarkably well during those moments when you want to use it for gaming too. If your past artist laptop were prone to malware, then you would be pleased to note that Lenovo Flex 14 comes with a built-in protection courtesy of Windows 10! Through Radeon Vega 8, you will enjoy editing photos, and videos fast. Added to that is the fact that its block privacy shutter gives you the freedom to close the webcam when not in use! It competes well with costlier Core i7 laptops.
Pros
- Great design
- Wonderful battery life
- Affordable
- Solidly built
- An impressive selection of ports
- Responsive touch screen
- Excellent CPU performance
- Speedy performance
- Stellar touchpad and keyboard
- Webcam slider shutter
- The keyboard deck has a fingerprint reader
Cons
- Heavy thus not suitable for commuting
- Can take longer to boot up
- Slightly dim screen
- Pen not included with the laptop
ASUS ZenBook Pro
Technology has enabled ASUS to create one of the best laptops for artists. If you doubt that, then you have probably not encountered the impressive display you get through 4K ultra-HD screen. ASUS ZenBook Pro delivers that quality of display! What is more, the 3840 x 2160 resolution is genuinely exceptional. The Skylake Core i7 processor provides the kind of power that you need to produce stunning artworks fast. As for the Nvidia GTX960M GPU, you will struggle to find a more potent variety! Furthermore, the laptop offers 1400MB/s in transfer feeds. That, coupled with the 16GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB SSD, will give you no cause for concern while working. It’s little wonder that ASUS calls this laptop the answer to Apple’s MacBook Pro! It’s fast and perfect for use in rooms with minimal or controlled lighting too.
Pros
- Amazing battery life
- Outstanding 4K touch screen
- Incredibly fast PCle SSD
- Thunderbolt port on USB-C
- An eye-catching all-metal chassis
- Perfect for use inside the house
- Outstanding design
Cons
- Keyboard is likely to be quirky
- The screen can be excessively glossy
- The display might not be perfect if you travel a lot
- Appears heavier than other similar machines
LG Gram 17
Weighing less than 3 pounds, there’s no doubt that the LG Gram 17 is a super-light laptop. In this regard, it weighs as much as an ultraportable device you will ever use. For this reason, you will have an easy time carrying it with you wherever you travel. Apart from that, its battery life ensures that you get a chance to use a laptop that runs the entire day. That way, you can work nonstop without worrying about recharging the machine. Furthermore, its 17-inch display is one of the largest in the market today. Because of this, you can view everything that you’re designing much better. Its everyday performance stats are truly outstanding courtesy of the 8th Gen Intel Core i7 processor. Where design is concerned, the laptop is just as aesthetically appealing as any other though many users claim that it appears boring and unimpressive!
Pros
- The lightest 17-inch laptop
- Superb battery life
- Thunderbolt 3 support
- Exceptional everyday performance
- Processes everything efficiently thus boosting general productivity
- Guarantees compact footprint
- Crisp and brilliant display
- A comprehensive selection of ports
- Lustrous silver exterior
Cons
- SATA 3 SSD is a bit too slow
- Lacks discrete graphics
- Boring and unimpressive design
Acer Aspire 5
Are you the sort of artist who prefers a bulkier laptop for your work? Would you find such a computer more attractive if it contains more ports? In that case, Acer Aspire 5 would be a suitable option for you. Apart from those two qualities, it also stands out for delivering stronger graphics. What is more, the quality of its build ranks quite high too! As if that’s not enough to hook you, the machine is affordably priced as well. For this reason, it’s one of the best budget laptops for artists. Furthermore, the fact that it’s bulkier doesn’t mean that it’s too thick. Instead, you have a bulky yet slim laptop to use. You will be able to use it every day for all your computing needs courtesy of the respectable quad-core performance it guarantees.
Pros
- Elegantly designed
- Fast processor
- The high luminosity from the IPS display
- Low power consumption
- Runs noiselessly
- The mishmash of HDD and SSD is brilliant
- Awesome battery life
- Memory and storage is more than sufficient for artworks
- Nvidia GeForce MX150 comes with 2GB of GDDR5 VRAM
- The case never gets uncomfortably hot regardless of the hours used
- Fingerprint reader
Cons
- The display could do with some improvement
- Interface not up to the required standard
- Wi-Fi doesn’t perform optimally
- Prone to bloatware attack
Conclusion
Based on the information published above, you should now be able to settle on the best laptop for artists. The mix of brands reviewed here stands out for many reasons. Here, the laptops are better than their competition based on performance, battery life, and display. Screen resolution also makes them the best of the lot. For these reasons, you will not go wrong settling on any of these. Moreover, you will also love the fact that some cost a premium. Similarly, others are affordable but still able to deliver everything that you need from an artist’s laptop. It’s important to mention that the laptops also possess a stylishness that’s befitting something an artist needs to use. Because of this, feel free to place your order for such laptops today! Do you know where you can order any of these laptops? Visit Amazon to place your order right away!
As an artist, you’ll need a laptop that’s powerful enough to run applications such as Illustrator and Photoshop, but at the same time comes with other necessary features such as good battery life.
In today’s article, we’ve done just that. All of these laptops are perfectly suitable for artists. But it all comes down to your preferences as to what you want in your laptop. So, go ahead! Pick the one that suits your need the most.