Best Budget Laptop For Graphic Design

Are you passionate about graphic design but lack the money to invest in the right technology? You don't have to worry since you can find an affordable laptop for this.

Getting the right equipment can help you begin your creative journey. A good laptop is all you need to get familiar with different digital software and take your imagination to the next level. Today, graphical software and picture editorial have become the trend. As you look for the best budget laptops for photoshop and graphic design, you have to focus on certain features. Before discussing this in detail, we will give you examples of some of the best budget laptops that many people buy for photoshop and graphic design. Read on!

Comparison table

Product Image

Reviews

HP Pavilion X360– It has a convertible design

Sale

HP Pavilion x360-14' Touch - Core i5-10210U - 8GB - 256GB SSD + 16GB Optane - Gold

HP Pavilion x360-14" Touch - Core i5-10210U - 8GB - 256GB SSD + 16GB Optane - Gold

10th Gen Intel Core i5-10210U mobile processor.
8GB RAM to smoothly run your games and photo- and video-editing applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs all at once. DDR4 is the future of RAM.
14" 2-in-1 Full HD multitouch screen Laptop. IPS technology for wide viewing angles. Energy-efficient WLED backlight.
256GB Solid State Drive accelerated by Intel Optane; Solid State Drive (PCI-e) Save files fast and store more data.
Wireless-AC connectivity (1x1, 433 Mbps) is more capacity and wider coverage than Wireless-N.

We started with this laptop since it comes with a stylus pen that can help you do things such as draw or take notes. It also features the IPS panel cable that is useful in displaying sharp and accurate colors. You should consider this model since it comes with a reasonable price tag.

Some people find the SSD storage to be a bit limited.

Features

Processor: i5 7200U
Screen: 15 inches
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
RAM: 8GB
SSD: 128 GB

The specs of this 2 in 1 laptop are quite impressive apart from the SSD storage. Graphic designers also find this laptop quite responsive since it comes with the graphics card known as AMD Radeon. You can even use it for light gaming during your free time. When it comes to connectivity, this laptop does not disappoint due to its numerous ports. For instance, it features an HDMI port, a 3.1 USB port, USB Type C port, and card reader. It also features HP audio boost, B&O PLAY, dual digital microphone, and HP webcam.

When you buy this laptop, you also get a standard keyboard that features a numeric keypad. Unfortunately, this keyboard is not backlit, like in some models. The laptop, however, comes in a convertible design and different modes.

Contains a stylus pen
2 in 1 laptop
Reasonable price

The battery life is low

Verdict

HP Pavilion x360 is a fancy laptop that has useful features for photoshop and graphic design. You can use it for at least 8 hours without worrying about low power. You can switch from one mode to the other such as the laptop mode to the tablet or stand mode.

Lenovo Ideapad 330S– Great for home use

2020 Newest Lenovo Ideapad 330s 15.6 Inch Laptop (AMD Quad-Core Ryzen 5 2500U up to 3.6GHz, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD, AMD Radeon Vega 8, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI, Webcam, Windows 10 Home) (Grey)

Choosing such a multimedia oriented computer can help you achieve a lot. This model not only allows you to browse the web but also run different software, including graphic designing and photoshop. Lenovo Ideapad features Core i5-8250U, 256GB SSD, and RAM of 8GB. The display of this laptop is around 15 inches. We included it in our list since it can provide you with excellent color and enhances the ability to view different angles.

Unfortunately, the battery only lasts for five hours. If you work a lot, you have to keep on charging this laptop from time to time.

Features

Speed: 1.6GHz
Processor: Core i5-8250U
RAM: 8G
SSD: 256 GB

It also comes with a powerful graphics card known as NVidia GeForce 940 MX and Bluetooth 4.1. Some of the ports available include 1 Type C USB port, HDM port, 2 3.0 USB ports, DVD slot, and a card reader.

It is ideal for graphic designing or photo editing
Comes with a dedicated graphics card
Numerous ports
Affordable

Low battery life

Verdict

Though this laptop's battery life is not that decent, it is among the cheapest laptops for graphic design and photoshop.

Acer Aspire E 15– Suitable for everyday use

Acer Aspire E15 High Performance 15.6? Full HD Laptop (2018 Edition), 7th Gen Intel Core i7-7500U Process up to 3.50 GHz, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB HDD, USB-C 3.1, Bluetooth, HDMI, Webcam, Win 10

7th Generation Intel Core i7-7500 Processor (2.7GHz, 4MB Total Cache, up to 3.50 GHz)
8GB DDR4 Memory (up to 32GB Maximum), 1TB Hard Drive, Stereo Speakers
15.6" Full HD (1920 x 1080) display, Intel HD 620 Graphics
802.11ac Wireless LAN, HD Webcam, 1 x USB-C 3.1, 1 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x HDMI, 1 x headphone/microphone jack
Windows 10 64-bits, 4-cell 45w Li-ion Battery, Dimensions: 13.43" x 9.31" x 0.71", Weight 4.92 lb.

If you need an affordable laptop for photoshop and graphic design with impressive battery life, you should consider Acer Aspire E 15. You can use this laptop for up to 15 hours without the need to recharge it. The laptop is not only affordable but also of high quality. The screen size of this model is about 15. 6 inches while the RAM available is 8GB.

Some customers are not, however, impressed by the limited viewing angles.

Features

Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
Processor: Core i5-8250U
Graphics card: >Nvidia GeForce MX150
SSD: 256 GB

Though the RAM can seem limiting it is possible to upgrade it to 32 GB. Many people also like this laptop since it comes with numerous ports for connecting peripheral devices. It also features Bluetooth 4.1 and a card reader.

Captivating design
2GB graphics card
The RAM can be upgraded
Fast processor

Some users reveal that the battery drains fast

Verdict

Acer Aspire E 15 is on high demand due to its attractive design and powerful processing. It also comes with Windows 10, which is beginner-friendly.

Dell XPS 15– Suitable for professionals

The best budget laptops have good processors. Since this acts as the computer's brain, it determines the kind of performance the laptop can deliver. Dell XPS 15 does not disappoint since it is equipped with the Intel Core i7 processor. This also makes use of a quality graphics card that makes it highly responsive while running different software.

Unfortunately, it comes with a poor webcam.

Features

RAM: 8-32 GB
Screen size: 15 inches
Processor: i7
Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels

Though this laptop is not as cheap as the rest of the models, it includes some powerful components that can help you achieve a lot in graphic design. For instance, this laptop features AntiGlare IP and storage of up to 1TB. If you like bringing along your laptop with you when traveling, you will appreciate the thin design of this product. It is easy to carry around.

Has a captivating display
Offers sharp detail and vibrant color
Has a wide viewing angle
The keyboard is also backlit

The price tag is higher than other laptops

Verdict

The touch screen of this laptop stands out since it is quite intuitive. Most photographers also choose this laptop since it delivers a 4K color display. The ability to produce rich color and sharp detail makes it perfect for graphic design and editing images. Unlike some laptops, Dell XPS 15 has a battery life of about 11 hours.

MacBook Pro-It offers an excellent viewing experience

We cannot fail to include an Apple laptop on our list since this brand is known for producing quality machines that you can use for photoshop and graphic design. One of the reasons why we like this model is because it is made with IPS technology and comes with an LED-backlit display. You will also like the beautiful design of this laptop.

It is, however, not solidly built like other models.

Features

Screen size: 15 inches
Processor: Intel Core i7
RAM: 16-32 GB
Video Memory: 4BG
Resolution: 2880 x 1800 pixels

This laptop offers great features for graphic design and has fast processing. It also stands out among conventional models due to the inclusion of a fine Touch ID and an improved Touch bar. If you have been doing photo editing for a while, you are probably searching for a powerful laptop. MacBook Pro will not let you down since it can help you accomplish a lot. It also comes with a Retina display and is made using advanced technology. Unlike some laptops, this one comes with 4 Thunderbolt ports and a force touch track pad.

It can give you a smooth experience during photo editing
Ultrafast SSD
Touch Bar
Uses True Tone technology
Offers Retina Display

It is less durable

Verdict

The Ultrafast SSD of this laptop enables it to perform well when running different software. Most people also appreciate the 10-hour battery life of this model. It can make you more productive at graphic design and photo editing.

Acer Aspire A515-54-51DJ– Suitable for beginners

Choosing a laptop that comes with numerous ports enables you to enjoy convenience when you want to connect different devices to it. Acer Aspire gives you multiple ports to work with, such as the HDMI port, USB type C, 1 USB 2.0 port, and 2 USB 3.0 ports. We also like this model since it comes with a backlit keyboard that can help you continue working even in low light conditions.

Some people, however, feel that the space is small.

Features

Screen size: 15. 6 inches
Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
SSD: 256 GB
RAM: 8GB

Such specs make it ideal for photoshop. The laptop manufacturer also tries to increase convenience by including additional features such as Bluetooth and a card reader. It also comes with decent battery life. If you are new to designing or photo editing, this laptop is ideal for you.

It is excellent for beginners in photo editing and graphic designing
The price is quite friendly
Powerful processing
Fingerprint sensor
Backlit keyboard

Produces an irritating fan noise

Verdict

Acer Aspire is among the lowest priced laptops that even people with a low budget can afford. Most people like this quality laptop since it has a Full HD display and utilizes IPS technology. The numerous connectivity ports also come in handy when multitasking.

Asus Vivobook S15– It is portable

If you don't need a fancy laptop but still want one to help you run different software, you should not overlook Asus Vivobook S15. We included this computer in our list of the best budget laptops for photoshop and graphics design since it has a lot to offer. For instance, it supports Inkscape, Sketchup, and Photoshop.

Unfortunately, it offers limited space

Features

Processor: i5-8265U
RAM: 8GB
SSD: 256 GB
Screen: 15 inches
Graphics: HD 630

Asus Vivobook is a slim laptop that you can easily carry for long without experiencing fatigue. It also comes with a HD screen, famous for producing color accurate and sharp images. This laptop also enhances connectivity by providing different USB ports. People have mixed opinions regarding its battery life. If you will not be using it for long, then the 8 hours battery life should be more than enough for you.

It is pocket friendly
The laptop is lightweight
Intel UHD 630

The headphone jack is not reliable

Verdict

This is a simple laptop for newbies in photo editing and graphic designing. Though it does not provide a lot of space, it has an impressive screen resolution and a comfortable keyboard.

These are the two laptops that we don't recommend for photoshop and graphic design.

Asus 14 inch laptop– It is bulky and slow

Sale

14. 0" (16: 9) LED backlit HD (1366x768) Display; AMD Radeon R4 Graphics, 7th Generation AMD A6-9225 Processor, Dual-Core, 2. 6GHz up to 3. 0GHz Processor
500GB SATA Hard Drive, 4GB DDR4-2400 SDRAM Memory
USB Ports (Total) x2, USB 2. 0 Type A Ports x1, USB 3. 0 Type A Ports x 1, USB 3. 1 Type C Ports x1, HDMI Outputs (Total) x1, VGA Ports x1, Integrated 802. 11b/g/n and Built-in Bluetooth V4. 0
Built-in Stereo 3 W Speakers And Microphone, Multi-format card reader (SD/SDHC) Card Reader
3 Cells 36 Whrs Battery, Windows 10 Home

This laptop was designed to help you handle daily tasks effortlessly. Despite this, most customers reveal that it is unreasonably slow. You may not accomplish a lot of tasks using it. Apart from that, both the laptop and fan produce noise that can distract you when working. It crashes when you try to run different software and takes minutes to load websites.

Features

HDD: 500 GB
Windows 10 Home
Display: 14 inch

Backlit keyboard

It is not durable
Produces a loud noise
The laptop is slow
It crashes easily

Verdict

Though this model comes from a good brand, the manufacturer should make changes to reduce the high number of complaints people make regarding this model. Most people also don't like its components' cheap feel since the keys are made of plastic, and the mouse pad also looks fragile.

Razor blade 15– It overheats

Razer Blade 15 Gaming Laptop: Intel Core i7-8750H 6 Core, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q | 15.6' FHD 144Hz | 16GB RAM | 512GB SSD, CNC Aluminum, Chroma RGB Lighting, Thunderbolt 3

Razer Blade 15 Gaming Laptop: Intel Core i7-8750H 6 Core, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q | 15.6" FHD 144Hz | 16GB RAM | 512GB SSD, CNC Aluminum, Chroma RGB Lighting, Thunderbolt 3

Zero-compromise powerhouse: Built for gaming and creative work in a 0.7" thin CNC aluminum unibody with high-performance, vapor chamber cooling
Futureproof design: Thunderbolt 3 capable, compatible with Razer Core external GPU enclosures for additional power; supports dual-channel memory and SSD upgradability
Perfect display for work or play: An edge-to-edge, 100% sRGB, factory-calibrated matte screen with a 144 Hz refresh rate offers the best experience for intense gaming sessions or content creation
Biometric security: Supports Windows Hello instant facial unlock with integrated webcam and IR sensor
Customizable RGB individual key lighting: Includes 16.8 million colors available with multiple preset profiles

Even though this laptop is marketed for gamers, some creatives have been using it for photoshop and graphic design. The laptop may come in a compact design and an aluminum body, but it is not the best budget laptop for such tasks. Some users reveal that this laptop is not reliable since you have to keep on restarting it frequently. It also tends to get quite hot after extended use.

Features

RAM: 16 GB
SSD: 512 GB
Processor: Core i7-8750H
Body: Aluminum

Attractive design

It is costly
Overheats
Unreliable model
Lacks an Ethernet port

Verdict

If you have been thinking of getting this laptop, we recommend looking elsewhere since it offers poor performance.

Finding the best budget laptops for photoshop and graphic design

Every creative needs to invest in a good laptop that they can use for long. If you take your craft quite seriously, you need to pay attention to the following factors as you look for a good laptop for photoshop and graphic design.

Operating system

You need to look at the operating system that a laptop runs on before buying one. Those from Apple often run on the Mac operating system. Though such laptops are user-friendly, they are costly. If you want a flexible laptop, you should go for one that runs on Windows 10. Such a laptop may also come with some useful features that you might like.

Weight and screen size

The size of a laptop's display also matters. Most of the thin laptops have a screen size of about 12 inches and weigh around 4 pounds. If you need a computer that remains on your desk rather than moving around, you can choose one that has a bigger screen size of about 18 inches. This is also going to be heavier than the rest.

Touchpad and keypad

Ensure you choose a laptop that fits in your hands properly. Focus on the laptop's keyboard and check if it offers tactile feedback. The keys should also have adequate space between them. You should also ensure that the touchpad responds to your movements well.

Specifications

For you to find a quality laptop that you can use for photoshop and graphic design, you have to know the most crucial specs to look out for. Some include storage size, RAM, and CPU. Choose a laptop that comes with SSD and offers a high storage amount. The best budget laptop that can help you run Adobe photoshop should have RAM of 16 GB.

Battery life

Do not focus on all the above factors and overlook the battery life. You need to choose a laptop that offers a decent battery life so that you don't have to keep on plugging it to a power source frequently.

Conclusion

A good laptop can help you launch your creativity. If you are a graphic designer, you need to get a laptop that can help you enhance your skills in this field. We have highlighted some of the best budget laptops for photoshop and graphic design that you should check out. Do not forget to consider the crucial factors we have discussed above before buying one.

Allen Pope

Allen Pope is a computer analyst by profession and for the longest time, he has been working with businesses to ensure that they use computer technology efficiently. In his line of work, he has worked for different organizations configuring hardware and software and initiating the systems upgrade. According to Allen, many people are not aware of the current technological advancements equipped on laptops and how they can use it to their advantage. It is, therefore, for the above reason that he came up with detailed excerpts that contain comprehensive information on laptops; having a laptop is one thing but knowing how it can help simplify your job is another and that is why you have the laptop grader.

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