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10+ Best Budget Laptops for Graphic Design — Expert Picks 2024 (March)

10+ Best Budget Laptops for Graphic Design — Expert Picks 2024 (March)

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Generally, the more you pay, the better specs you get in a laptop. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t find a good laptop without spending an arm and a leg.

After diving into the depths of online marketing, collaborating with graphic designers, finding the creme-de-la-creme of laptops, and rigorously testing them, we have put together a list of the best budget laptops for graphic designing in 2024.

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In this post, we’ll unveil a treasure trove of affordable options that don’t compromise on performance when running your favorite graphic designing software. So, get ready to unlock a world of creativity without breaking the bank!

And to further optimize your graphic designing workspace, also check out our top picks for the best graphic design monitors, printers, free apps, accessories, and more!

Best Overall (Editor's Choice)
HP Pavilion x360 2-in-1 Laptop, 15.6" FHD IPS Touchscreen, 12th Gen
5.0
$329.99

The HP Pavilion x360 2-in-1 laptop is the best budget option for graphic designing. With its powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U Processor, 16GB DDR4 RAM, and 2TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD, it offers exceptional performance and multitasking capabilities. The 15.6-inch FHD IPS display offers an immersive viewing experience, while versatile connectivity options enhance productivity.

Pros:
  • Powerful 12th Gen Processor
  • 2TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD for ample storage
  • Versatile connectivity and Fast Wi-Fi 6
Cons:
  • Heavy and bulky design
  • Heat buildup during intensive use
Buy on Amazon Read Our Review
02/19/2024 09:19 am GMT

10 Best Budget Laptops for Graphic Design 2024

Here’s a quick look at the best budget laptops for graphic design in 2024:

  1. HP Pavilion x360 — (Best Overall) (Editor’s Choice)
  2. Apple 2022 MacBook AirUltra Lightweight & Thin Design
  3. Microsoft Surface Pro XCompact Hybrid
  4. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5Backlit Keyboard
  5. Dell XPS 15 — Best Value Laptop with Bright Anti-Glare Screen
  6. ASUS VivoBook S15High Color Accuracy
  7. Acer Chromebook Spin 714Abundant Connectivity Options
  8. New Microsoft Surface Go 2 — Most Affordable 2-in-1 Laptop
  9. Lenovo IdeaPad 2023 Newest 14Most Affordable
  10. Acer Aspire 3 — Best with AI Noise Reduction

What is the best budget laptop for graphic design in 2024?

After rigorously running different graphic designing software and projects on it, we found the HP Pavillion x360 to be the best budget laptop for graphic designin in 2024. Despite being super affordable, this laptop doesn’t skimp on quality.

For better insight, also check out our top 3 picks below! 


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Best Overall
Most Affordable Laptop for Graphic Designing
Best Value Laptop
5.0
4.9
4.8
$329.99
$239.00
$1,620.00$1,199.00
16GB
4GB
16GB
Intel i5 12th Gen
Quad Core Intel Pentium N5030
Intel i7 12th Gen
Iris Xe Graphics
Intel HD Graphics 605
RTX 3050
  • 2TB SSD ample storage
  • Versatile connectivity
  • Powerful 12th Gen Processor
  • Powerful processor
  • Ample storage
  • Essential Connectivity with USB ports
  • Vibrant 15.6-inch display
  • Fast and responsive
  • Intel Core i7 12th Gen, 14 cores
Best Overall
5.0
$329.99
16GB
Intel i5 12th Gen
Iris Xe Graphics
  • 2TB SSD ample storage
  • Versatile connectivity
  • Powerful 12th Gen Processor
Most Affordable Laptop for Graphic Designing
4.9
$239.00
4GB
Quad Core Intel Pentium N5030
Intel HD Graphics 605
  • Powerful processor
  • Ample storage
  • Essential Connectivity with USB ports
Best Value Laptop
4.8
$1,620.00$1,199.00
16GB
Intel i7 12th Gen
RTX 3050
  • Vibrant 15.6-inch display
  • Fast and responsive
  • Intel Core i7 12th Gen, 14 cores
02/19/2024 09:19 am GMT

Can you afford more? See our post on the Best laptops for designers

Detailed Review of the Best Budget Laptops for Graphic Designing

1. HP Pavilion x360 — (Best Over All) (Editor’s Choice)

HP Pavilion x360 best budget laptops for graphic designing
HP Pavilion x360. Image Credits: Digital Weekly

The overall best budget laptop for graphic design in 2024

CPU: Intel i5 12th Gen | GPU: Iris Xe Graphics | Hard Disk Size: 2TB PCIe SSD | RAM Memory Size: 16GB

Are you a professional seeking a versatile and high-performing laptop to elevate your graphic design work– but at the same time, don’t want to break the bank? Look no further than the HP Pavilion x360 2-in-1 laptop. This sleek and stylish machine is specifically tailored to meet the demands of graphic design professionals like you, offering a range of features to enhance your creative journey.

One standout feature of the HP Pavilion x360 is its powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U Processor. With 10 cores and 12 threads, this processor delivers exceptional performance, allowing you to handle resource-intensive tasks effortlessly. Whether working on complex design projects or multitasking between applications, this laptop ensures a smooth and lag-free experience.

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Additionally, with the upgraded 16GB DDR4 RAM of the HP Pavilion x360, you can effortlessly switch between open applications and work on multiple projects simultaneously. Plus, the 2TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD provides ample space for your files and lightning-fast data transfer.

Moreover, the 15.6-inch FHD IPS display of the Pavilion x360 is a visual delight. It offers an immersive and vibrant viewing experience with edge-to-edge glass and micro-edge design. At the same time, its highly responsive touchscreen allows you to design and draw with precision.

It also features USB Type-C and Type-A ports, HDMI, and a headphone/microphone combo, providing versatile options for connecting your peripherals and external displays. Including Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, the combo ensures fast and reliable wireless connectivity.

While the HP Pavilion x360 excels in many areas, it’s important to note that its heavy and bulky design may not be ideal for on-the-go production or travel.

Additionally, the lack of fan power may cause the processor to heat up during intensive use. But that can be easily mitigated by using the laptop in a well-ventilated environment and employing cooling solutions such as a laptop cooling pad.

Simply put, the HP Pavilion x360 2-in-1 Laptop is a standout choice for graphic design professionals. Its powerful processor, ample memory and storage, immersive display, and versatile connectivity options make it an ideal companion for creative endeavors.

Pros Cons
➕ 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U with 10 cores and 12 threads➕ Upgraded 16GB DDR4 RAM 

➕ Spacious 2TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD

➕ Fingerprint reader for enhanced security

➖ Heavy and bulky design ➖ Potential heating issues

Latest Price on Amazon:

2. Apple 2022 MacBook Air — (Ultra Lightweight & Thin Design)

Apple 2022 MacBook Air
Apple 2022 MacBook Air. Image Credits: Amazon

Best portable laptop for graphic design

CPU: M2 chip | GPU: 10-core integrated | Hard Disk Size:  256GB SSD | RAM Memory Size: 8GB

If you find yourself working while traveling often, you need a laptop that’s not only lightweight but also easily fits into your bag. With that said, here’s the Apple MacBook Air 2022– arguably the best budget MacBook for graphic design when working on the move– thanks to its 11.97 x 8.46 inches of area and 2.7 lbs weight.

Additionally, the 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display is a visual treat, boasting over 500 nits of brightness, P3 wide color support, and a breathtaking resolution of 2560×1664 with True Tone technology. This means you’ll be able to see your works in all its glory with crisp details and precise colors.

In terms of power, the 2022 MacBook Air is supercharged by the cutting-edge Apple M2 chip, featuring an 8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores. Alongside the up to 10-core GPU and 24GB of unified memory, this powerhouse ensures lightning-fast performance, allowing you to tackle resource-intensive tasks effortlessly.

Moreover, the MacBook Air delivers up to 18 hours of power-efficient performance. You can work all day and night, knowing your laptop won’t let you down. This means you don’t have to break your creative flow by looking for a power source to charge your device.

Similarly, the MacBook Air doesn’t disappoint when it comes to connectivity. It features a MagSafe charging port, two Thunderbolt ports, and a headphone jack. The versatility of these ports allows you to seamlessly connect your external devices and transfer files.

But on the flip side, its hardware upgrade options are limited, restricting the ability to customize and enhance the laptop’s performance as desired. Secondly, the MacBook Air has only two ports, which may inconvenience users by requiring multiple peripheral connections simultaneously (though an adapter or docking station can come in handy here).

Overall, the 2022 Apple MacBook Air is the perfect companion for graphic designers seeking the best in class without breaking the bank. Its ultra-lightweight design and seamless connectivity make it an excellent choice for traveling professionals.

Pros Cons
➕ Strikingly thin and lightweight design ➕ 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with vibrant colors

➕ Up to 18 hours of battery life

➕ Versatile connectivity options with MagSafe charging

➖ Limited hardware upgrade➖ Limited to two ports 

Latest Price on Amazon:

Ultra Lightweight & Thin Design

3. Microsoft Surface Pro X —(Compact Hybrid)

Microsoft Surface Pro X
Microsoft Surface Pro X. Image Credits: Amazon

Best 2 in 1 laptop for graphic design

CPU: Microsoft SQ® 1 |  GPU: Integrated | Hard Disk Size: 256GB SSD | RAM Memory Size: 8GB DDR5

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The power of a laptop and the convenience of a tablet packed in a sleek little package– sounds too good to be true? Well, the Microsoft Surface Pro X makes that possible with its less than 10 x 13-inch compact body, 1.7 lbs weight, and 2-in-1 design. Apart from that, it has a built-in Kickstand, which allows you to work comfortably at any angle, whether in the office or on the go.

But there’s more to why this budget laptop is an excellent device for graphic designers. For one, its 13-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 2880×1920 brings your designs to life with stunning clarity and vibrant colors. And with the optional Gigabit LTE connectivity, you can stay connected to your work and clients, even when Wi-Fi is not readily available.

Under the hood, the laptop is armed with a Microsoft SQ1 processor and 8 GB of LPDDR4 RAM– giving you enough power to breeze through resource-intensive tasks smoothly and efficiently. The 256 GB SSD further offers fast data access and ample storage space for projects.

Additionally, with the latest Windows 11 OS, the Surface Pro X provides a fresh and intuitive interface that maximizes productivity. With a range of designing applications optimized for Windows on ARM, such as Adobe Photoshop, you have the tools to unleash your creative potential.

While the Surface Pro X offers exceptional performance and versatility, it does have a few drawbacks. Naming a few, the stylus and keyboard (which are crucial to unlock the laptop’s full graphic designing potential) are sold separately. This could be an additional cost when investing in the device. Apart from that, the ARM64 architecture might confuse users accustomed to traditional x86 platforms.

Nevertheless, these minor limitations are outweighed by the Surface Pro X’s overall capabilities. It’s powerful, fast, and offers an immersive visual experience, while the responsive touchscreen lets you detail your projects meticulously. And the best part is it does all that despite its compact and sleek design.

Pros Cons
➕ Vibrant 13-inch touchscreen display with high resolution➕ Microsoft SQ1 processor and 8 GB of RAM

➕ Ample storage with the 256 GB SSD

➕ Gigabit LTE connectivity

➖ Stylus and keyboard come sold separately➖ ARM64 is confusing

Latest Price on Amazon:

Great 2-in-1 Compact Form

4. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 — (Backlit Keyboard)

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5. Image Credits: Amazon.com

Best budget laptop for graphic designing in dim light

CPU: Ryzen 7 4700U | GPU: Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics |  Hard Disk Size: 512 GB | RAM Memory Size: 16GB RAM

Do you find yourself working late nights or in a dim light often? If yes, then you might want to check out the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 – an excellent laptop for graphic designing with a backlit keyboard that only looks really cool but is also super useful. It lets you work in a dimly lit environment or even during late-night creative sessions– so you can let those creative juices flow no matter your surroundings.

In terms of visual quality, Flex 5 boasts a stunning 14-inch Full HD IPS touch screen, offering vibrant visuals and precise touch control. So, you can be as meticulous as you want and see your work in all its colorful and detailed glory. It’s an invaluable feature for a graphic designer.

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Additionally, with 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a spacious 512GB PCIe SSD, you’ll experience lightning-fast data access and ample storage for all your design projects. This means you can seamlessly switch between applications and work on multiple projects simultaneously.

Moreover, the IdeaPad Flex 5 offers USB-C and HDMI ports, allowing you to easily connect external displays and peripherals. It also features a fingerprint reader for secure login, ensuring your work remains protected.

But while this Lenovo laptop can easily run professional-grade graphic designing software and projects without breaking a sweat, its cooling solution is rather underwhelming. This makes the laptop heat up during prolonged intensive use. But that’s nothing a quality cooling pad can’t deal with.

Apart from that, we also found its display lacking brightness, which can affect visibility in certain lighting conditions. Still, these are minor trade-offs for all the power and features IdeaPad Flex 5 offers for graphic designers.

Simply put, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 is a powerhouse for graphic designers– providing impressive versatility and solid performance without breaking the bank. Its high-resolution touch screen, backlit keyboard, and powerful components make it an excellent choice for creative work.

Pros Cons
➕ Comfortable backlit keyboard➕ Powerful AMD Ryzen 7 4700U processor

➕ 16GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB PCIe SSD

➕ Fingerprint reader

➖ Very small cooling solution➖ Display is not bright enough

Latest Price on Amazon:

Best wirh Backlit Keyboard

5. Dell XPS 15 — (Bright Anti-Glare Screen)

Dell 2023 XPS 15
Dell 2023 XPS 15. Image Credits: Amazon

Best cheap laptop for graphic design with eye-comfort technology

CPU: Intel i7 12th Gen | GPU: RTX 3050 | Hard Disk Size: 512GB PCIe SSD | RAM Memory Size: 

As a professional graphic designer, are you tired of straining your eyes with that glare on your current laptop screen? Then look no further than the Dell XPS 15, the ultimate companion for graphic designers with a bright anti-glare screen.

Exploring its image quality further, The Dell XPS 15 offers a stunning 15.6-inch FHD+ Infinity-Edge display, which captivates your senses with vibrant visuals and a razor-sharp resolution of 1920×1200. Every stroke of your digital brush and every intricate detail of your design will come to life in vivid brilliance. And with a brightness of 500 nits, your creations will shine brighter than ever.

Additionally, the Dell XPS 15 packs a punch with the mighty NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card, armed with 4 GB of GDDR6 VRAM. This elevates your creative endeavors to new heights, whether rendering complex 3D models or exploring immersive gaming environments.

Moreover, the XPS 15 covers you with 16 GB DDR5 RAM clocked at a blazing-fast 4800MHz– which allows it to not only handle your most complex designing tasks but also ensure a speedy performance. Similarly, its spacious 512 GB PCIe SSD offers lightning-fast data access and ample storage for all your projects.

While the Dell XPS 15 boasts impressive power, it’s worth noting that it can get a little heated during intensive use due to its lack of fan power. However, this is a minor side effect considering its remarkable capabilities. Not to mention, investing in a reliable laptop cooling pad is a simple solution to it.

Ultimately, the Dell XPS 15 is the perfect choice for professional graphic designers. Its Infinity-Edge display, powerful graphics card, and lightning-fast performance make it ideal for unleashing creativity.

Pros Cons
➕ 12th Gen Intel Core i7 with 14 cores and high clock speed➕ NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card with dedicated VRAM.

➕ Vibrant 15.6-inch FHD+ Infinity-Edge display

➕ Fast and responsive 16 GB DDR5 RAM 

➖ Heavy and bulky design ➖ Lack of fan power 


Latest Price on Amazon:

Best with Bright Anti-Glare Screen
Dell XPS 15 9520 15.6" Laptop Intel Core i7
$1,620.00 $1,199.00
Buy Now
02/19/2024 09:28 am GMT

6. ASUS VivoBook S 15 —  (High Color Accuracy)

ASUS VivoBook S 15
ASUS VivoBook S 15. Image Credits: Amazon

Best color-accurate low budget laptop for graphic design

CPU: i7-12th Gen | GPU: Intel Iris Xe graphics | Hard Disk Size: 512GB SSD | RAM Memory Size: 16 GB

For a graphic designer like you, we understand how important it is to have a laptop that can display your work with high color accuracy. And with that said, we have found the ASUS VivoBook S 15 to be the best affordable laptop for graphic design in terms of accurate color reproduction.

Its 15.6-inch FHD OLED display offers stunning visuals with ultra-slim 4-sided NanoEdge bezels. Apart from that, the peak brightness of 600 nits, a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, and a quick response time of 0.2ms ensure a premium visual experience.

The VESA CERTIFIED Display HDR True Black 600 certification further ensures deep blacks and accurate color representation, allowing you to create precisely and confidently. What does it all mean for you? You’ll see all the colors and details just as they are!

In terms of processing power, the VivoBook S15 is armed with the latest Intel Core i7-12700H processor and Intel Iris Xe graphics– providing exceptional performance and smooth multitasking capabilities. Combine that with a fast 512GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD and 16GB DDR4 RAM– and you get lightning-fast data access.

Plus, the VivoBook S15 offers a sleek and lightweight aluminum body, making it perfect for professionals on the go. The ergonomic chiclet backlit keyboard with a fingerprint sensor further adds a touch of convenience and security to your work.

Apart from that, the ASUS AI Noise-Canceling Technology ensures crystal-clear communication by isolating unwanted background noise from your speech. This ensures a great collaborative experience with clients and colleagues.

But on the flip side, its poor webcam quality makes it unsuitable for video conferencing– so you’d need to invest in an external webcam if you find yourself skyping or Zoom calling often. Similarly, its battery life is rather average (inlining to the lower end)– lasting about 7 hours or so. But grab a reliable power bank, and you’ll be good to go! 

To sum it up, the ASUS VivoBook S15 has proven itself to be simply the best budget laptop for designers who value color accuracy greatly. Its processing power, generous memory and storage, lightweight body, and ergonomic keyboard make it one of the best laptops for graphic design on a budget.

Pros Cons
➕ 15.6-inch FHD OLED with ultra-slim bezels➕ Intel Iris Xe graphics

➕ Sleek and lightweight aluminum body

➕ ASUS AI Noise-Canceling Technology 

➖ Mediocre battery performance➖ Bad webcam quality

Latest Price on Amazon:

Best Color Accuracy

7. Acer Chromebook Spin 714 — (Abundant Connectivity Options)

Acer Chromebook Spin 714
Acer Chromebook Spin 714. Image Credits: Amazon

Best budget laptop for graphic design with extensive connectivity

CPU: i7-12th Gen |  GPU: Intel Iris Xe graphics | Hard Disk Size: 512GB SSD | RAM Memory Size: 16 GB

Are you tired of constantly struggling with connectivity issues during your graphic design work? Then the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 can be the end of your search with its abundant connectivity options. Here’s why we think it’s an excellent Chromebook for graphic designers on a budget.

From 1x USB 3.2 Type A Port to 2x USB Type C Charging Port, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, 2x Thunderbolt 4 Ports, and 1x HDMI– the Spin 714 has all the ports you can need to seamlessly connect your peripherals and accessories– enhancing your productivity and workflow in turn.

Delving deeper, this Acer laptop boasts a 14-inch touchscreen display with a stunning 1920 x 1200 WUXGA resolution, providing crystal-clear visuals for your design projects. Plus, the integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics ensures smooth performance for regular office work without lag or pixelation.

Additionally, with up to 8GB of RAM and high-bandwidth DDR4 RAM, this Chromebook handles multiple programs and files effortlessly– letting you work on complex design projects seamlessly. Plus, the spacious 512GB SSD offers ample storage capacity for your design files and ensures lightning-fast data access– allowing you to retrieve and save your work in no time.

While the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 excels in many areas, its pre-installed Windows 10 OS might limit some software compatibility. However, you can easily overcome this with web-based graphic design tools and applications readily available on the Chrome OS platform. Similarly, its rather modest RAM of 8GB can be limiting.

Overall, the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is a graphic designing powerhouse with its extensive connectivity, high-resolution touchscreen display, powerful Intel Core processor, and ample storage capacity. It basically gives you all the tools to bring your creative visions to life without burning a hole in your pocket.

Pros Cons
➕ USB Type A, USB Type C, Thunderbolt, and HDMI ports.➕ Intel Iris Xe Graphics

➕ Ample Storage: 512GB SSD 

➕ 2-in-1 Design: 360-degree durable hinge for laptop & tablet

➖ Windows 10 S is limited➖ Base model has too little RAM 

Latest Price on Amazon:

Abundant Connectivity Options

8. New Microsoft Surface Go 2 — (Most Affordable 2-in-1 Laptop)

New Microsoft Surface Go 2
New Microsoft Surface Go 2. Image Credits: Amazon

Best 2-in-1 low budget laptop for graphic design

CPU: Intel Pentium | GPU: Integrated | Hard Disk Size: 128GB SSD | RAM Memory Size: 8GB

Are you tired of lugging around heavy laptops that weigh you down and limit your mobility as a graphic designer? Then the New Microsoft Surface Go 2 can be the end of your quest. It’s an ultimate affordable solution for portability without compromising performance.

Weighing just 1.2 pounds, the New Microsoft Surface Go 2 feels like nothing in your bag. Plus, its 10.5″ highly-responsive touchscreen perfectly balances tablet portability and laptop versatility in a sleek little package. This lets you switch between different modes seamlessly to suit your workflow. Its adjustable Kickstand and Signature Type Cover further provide the flexibility to work comfortably in any setting.

In terms of power, the Intel Pentium processor and 8GB of memory allow you to run fairly heavy graphic designing applications and tasks without much trouble. While this is definitely not a lot of RAM, it is decent enough for a graphic design student or beginner to get by.

Apart from that, the Surface Go 2 has a USB-C port and headphone jack– allowing you to connect your devices and peripherals without any hassle. Plus, the front- and rear-facing cameras offer high-resolution capabilities, allowing you to make crystal-clear video calls or capture stunning photos for your creative projects.

And while the battery life of up to 10 hours isn’t a lot, it is still decent enough to get you through your working day without having to reach out for the charger a lot. Similarly, while its compact screen makes it highly portable, it is not suitable for designers requiring a larger canvas.

Basically, if you primarily work on intricate designs that demand a more extensive real estate screen, you may find the 10.5″ display slightly limiting. But investing in a graphic designing monitor can fix that and even optimize your workspace.

Simply put, the New Microsoft Surface Go 2 is the perfect companion for graphic designers who prioritize portability and flexibility. While the smaller screen may not suit everyone’s needs, it can easily be supplemented with an external monitor for more extensive projects.

Pros Cons
➕ Just 1.2 pounds ➕ High-resolution front- and rear-facing cameras

➕ Impressive battery life

➕ Free upgrade to Windows 11 

➖ Only 10.5″ display➖ Low speaker volume

Latest Price on Amazon:

Exceptional portability and lightweight design0
New Microsoft Surface Go 2
$549.99 $255.63
Buy Now
02/19/2024 02:29 pm GMT

9. Lenovo IdeaPad 2023 Newest 14 — (Most Affordable)

Lenovo IdeaPad 2023 Newest 14
Lenovo IdeaPad 2023 Newest 14. Image Credits: Amazon.com

Cheapest laptop for graphic design

CPU: Quad Core Intel Pentium N5030 | GPU: ‎Intel HD Graphics 605 | Hard Disk Size: 128GB | RAM Memory Size: 4GB

Tired of compromising on quality and performance due to budget constraints? Take a look at Lenovo IdeaPad 2023 Newest 14, a laptop specifically designed to cater to the needs of graphic designers without breaking the bank.

One of the most appealing aspects of the Lenovo IdeaPad 2023 is its affordability– despite its impeccable graphic design capabilities. For one, it boasts a powerful quad-core Intel Pentium N5030 processor that can adequately handle resource-intensive tasks. In fact, it is capable of reaching speeds of up to 3.1GHz– letting you run multiple applications and browser tabs simultaneously.

In terms of connectivity, the IdeaPad 2023 has essential ports such as USB 2.0, USB-A 3.2, USB-C 3.2, HDMI 1.4b, and an SD card reader. This lets you easily connect your devices and transfer files. It also supports Bluetooth 5 and 802.11ac Wi-Fi, providing seamless wireless connectivity.

On top of that, its 14-inch HD TN display provides a sharp and vibrant viewing experience, allowing you to bring your designs to life with clarity and precision. While the screen may not offer the highest resolution or contrast, it still provides adequate visual quality for your graphic design needs.

Basically, the FHD display may not offer the highest screen contrast, resulting in slightly washed-out colors. And with its glossy screen, you may struggle with bright reflections– affecting your viewing experience in well-lit environments.

Despite these minor quirks, the Lenovo IdeaPad 2023 Newest 14 is a solid budget laptop for graphic designing. From a powerful processor and ample storage to essential connectivity options and so on, it has all to help you through your creative projects.

Pros Cons
➕ Affordable budget➕ Essential Connectivity with USB ports, HDMI, and an SD card reader

➕ Supports Bluetooth 5

➕ Supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi

➖ FHD display and Low screen contrast look washed out➖ Glossy screen struggles with bright reflections

Latest Price on Amazon:

Most Affordable

10. Acer Aspire 3 — (AI Noise Reduction)

Acer Aspire 3
Acer Aspire 3. Image credit: Acer/Amazon.

Best budget graphic design laptop for collaborating and education

CPU: AMD Ryzen 3 7320U | GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics | Hard Disk Size: 128GB SSD | RAM Memory Size: 8GB

If you often collaborate on graphic designing projects or are a teacher/student participating in online classes and workshops, you need a laptop that isn’t only powerful enough for your graphic designing needs but also helps you focus better. And that’s just where the Acer Aspire 3 shines with its AI Noise Reduction technology.

This laptop is designed to enhance your graphic design workflow, offering focus-improving features like the PurifiedVoice technology with AI Noise Reduction. This basically helps you get in the zone by eliminating all unwanted sound interruptions in the background during online collaborations– so you can enjoy smooth and clear communication.

The Aspire 3, with its 15.6″ Full HD IPS display and narrow bezels, reproduces your designs with stunning clarity. And being powered by the latest AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Processor with Radeon Graphics, it delivers reliable performance and smooth multitasking, even when working on complex design projects.

Moreover, its 8GB LPDDR5 onboard memory and 128GB NVMe solid-state drive storage ensure speedy data access and ample space for your files and media. The improved thermals, increased fan surface area, and thermal capacity further allow for an uninterrupted and comfortable workflow by eliminating heating issues.

While the Acer Aspire 3 excels in many areas, the lack of a dedicated graphics card may impact the performance of resource-intensive graphic design applications. Additionally, some users found the touchpad hard to use, but connecting an external mouse can easily remedy that.

To sum it up, the Acer Aspire 3 Slim Laptop is an ideal budget companion for professional graphic designers. It is especially useful for collaborating or participating in online workshops– thanks to its Acer Purified Voice technology and AI Noise Reduction.

Pros Cons
➕ Acer PurifiedVoice technology➕ Sharp 15.6″ Full HD IPS display with narrow bezels

➕ AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Processor and Radeon Graphics

➕ 8GB LPDDR5 RAM

➖ No dedicated graphics card➖ Touchpad is a little hard to use

Latest Price on Amazon:

Best with AI Noise Reduction

How We Selected and Tested the Best Budget Laptops for Graphic Designing

We recognized the significance of choosing the best budget laptops for graphic designing, considering professional graphic designers’ unique requirements and preferences. Here is the comprehensive set of guidelines and processes that we followed to review and curate the list of the best budget laptops for graphic designing in 2024.

Selection Process

We analyzed the tasks related to software requirements, processor specifications, and noise and heat sensitivity and identified key priorities: color accuracy, high-resolution displays, and performance for resource-intensive tasks. Our focus was on meeting the professional needs of graphic designers and enhancing their workflow.

1. Identified Demographics

We considered the diverse demographics of professional graphic designers, including age, gender, education level, occupation, annual income, geographic location, marital status, and technical proficiency.

2. Determining Conditions

We defined the buyer persona for budget laptops in graphic designing, focusing on the specific demands and preferences of professional graphic designers. This included their work on web design, print design, illustrations, software usage, and typical tasks performed.

3. Understanding Requirements

To select the best budget laptops, we analyzed the tasks performed by graphic designers, the software they use, the required processor specifications, their sensitivity to noise and heat, and their top priorities for a laptop.

4. Key Considerations

We identified the three main priorities for graphic designers when selecting a laptop: color accuracy, high-resolution displays, and laptops that can handle resource-intensive tasks. We related these priorities to their tasks, software usage, and professional requirements.

5. Meeting Professional Needs

We explored the main purpose behind graphic designers acquiring a laptop, emphasizing its relevance to their tasks, software usage, and the enhancement of their graphic design workflow.

Testing Process

We ensured optimal workflow by assessing processor performance, addressing user comfort and productivity, prioritizing specifications, considering pain points, assessing mobility, emphasizing visual demands, evaluating connectivity, balancing cost and value, and incorporating user reviews during the testing process for selecting budget laptops for graphic designers.

1. Ensuring Optimal Workflow

We assessed the processor performance of budget laptops, ensuring they meet the requirements of graphic designers’ tasks and software usage without compromising overall performance.

2. User Comfort and Productivity

We addressed the sensitivity of graphic designers to noise and heat generated by laptops during use, relating it to their tasks, software usage, and the importance of a quiet and cool operation.

3. Prioritizing Specifications

We identified and prioritized essential features and specifications such as color accuracy, high-resolution displays, storage capacity, and connectivity options. These factors are crucial to graphic designers’ workflow and software usage.

4. Addressing Pain Points

We recognized the common pain points faced by graphic designers, including limited processing power, insufficient RAM, inaccurate color representation, and storage capacity. 

5. Assessing Mobility

We evaluated budget laptops’ weight, size, and battery life to accommodate graphic designers who frequently work away from a power source and require a portable setup.

6. Meeting Visual Demands

We emphasized the importance of high-resolution displays with accurate color representation, considering the specific requirements of graphic designers and their reliance on visual details in their work.

7. Connectivity and Expandability Support

We examined the availability of necessary ports and connectivity options such as USB-C, Thunderbolt, and HDMI to accommodate the external devices frequently used by graphic designers.

8. Balancing Cost and Value

We considered the approximate budget range of graphic designers when selecting budget laptops, ensuring that the chosen options provide the best value within their financial capacities.

9. Incorporating User Reviews

We considered the experiences and recommendations of other graphic designers, considering their feedback and testimonials on the performance and suitability of different budget laptops.

Based on the above evaluation and considerations, we compiled a curated list of budget laptops suitable for graphic designers. These laptops meet graphic designers’ specific needs, preferences, and professional requirements, enhancing their graphic design workflow and overall productivity.

Buying Guide: Best Budget Laptops for Graphic Designing

Have trouble deciding on the perfect budget laptop for your graphic designing needs? Look at our comprehensive buying guide to help you make an informed choice.

✅ Performance and Processing Power

Graphic designing involves working with complex software and large files, so choosing a laptop with sufficient processing power is crucial. Look for laptops like the HP Pavilion x360 or Apple MacBook Air, which provide the necessary horsepower for graphic design tasks.

✅ RAM (Memory)

Having ample RAM is essential for smooth multitasking and handling large graphic design files. Laptops such as the HP Pavilion x360 and Microsoft Surface Pro X offer configurations with 8GB or 16GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and handling of large graphic design files. 

✅ High-Resolution Display

A high-resolution display is critical for graphic designers to view and work on intricate details accurately. For a high-resolution display, options like the Dell XPS 15, full HD, or Retina resolutions provide accurate and detailed visuals. Additionally, consider laptops with an IPS (In-Plane Switching) panel for wider viewing angles and accurate color representation.

✅ Color Accuracy and Gamut

As a graphic designer, color accuracy is paramount in your work. Laptops such as the ASUS VivoBook S 15 that excels in color accuracy, ensure precise color representation for web design, print design, or illustrations. This ensures that the colors you see on your laptop screen match the final output.

✅ Storage Capacity and Speed

Graphic design files can quickly consume storage space, so it’s important to have ample storage capacity. Dell XPS 15 and HP Pavilion x360 offer configurations with ample storage, ranging from 256GB to higher capacities, providing faster file access and reduced software loading times with their SSD storage.

✅ Connectivity Options

Consider laptops like the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5, which provides multiple USB ports (USB 3.0 or higher), HDMI, or DisplayPort options for connecting external devices and monitors. 

✅ Portability and Battery Life

If you work on the go or require a portable setup, consider the weight and battery life of the laptop. If portability is a priority, options like the Apple MacBook Air and Microsoft Surface Pro X offer lightweight, slim designs with battery lives of at least 8 hours for uninterrupted productivity.

Basically, aim for a battery life of at least 8 hours to ensure uninterrupted productivity even when you’re away from a power source.

✅ Cooling System and Heat Management

Graphic designing tasks can put a strain on the laptop’s cooling system. Laptops such as the Dell XPS 15 and HP Pavilion x360 incorporate efficient cooling mechanisms like dual fans or heat pipes to prevent overheating during resource-intensive graphic design tasks.

✅ Ergonomics and Comfort

Since you’ll be working long hours on your laptop, ergonomic features are crucial. Consider laptops like the Apple MacBook Air and Dell XPS 15, which feature comfortable keyboards with good key travel and responsiveness, backlit keyboards for dimly lit environments, and responsive trackpads to enhance workflow.

✅ Budget and Value for Money

When considering budget, options like the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 and Acer Aspire 3 balance price and performance, providing value for money while meeting graphic design needs. Set a budget range based on your financial capacity and prioritize features accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below, we have answered frequently asked questions about the best monitors for working from home.

Is an 8GB laptop enough for graphic design?

8GB of RAM can be sufficient for basic graphic design tasks, but it is recommended to have at least 16GB of RAM or higher for more complex projects and multitasking. This ensures smoother performance, faster rendering, and easy handling of larger files and resource-intensive tasks. Consider your specific needs and project requirements when deciding on the RAM capacity for your laptop.

Are gaming laptops good for graphic design?

Yes, gaming laptops can be suitable for graphic design due to their powerful hardware. However, it's essential to consider factors like color accuracy, display quality, and portability before deciding if a gaming laptop meets your specific needs.

How do I choose a laptop designer?

When choosing a laptop for graphic design, prioritize performance with a powerful processor and ample RAM, opt for a high-resolution display with good color accuracy, consider a dedicated graphics card, ensure sufficient storage and connectivity options, prioritize portability if needed, verify software compatibility, consider build quality, read user reviews, and set a budget that aligns with your needs and preferences.

How much graphics card is required for a laptop?

When selecting a laptop for graphic design, it is recommended to have a dedicated graphics card with a minimum of 2GB VRAM or higher.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Ideal Budget Laptop for Graphic Designing

The right laptop for graphic design is essential for professionals seeking optimal productivity and a comfortable work environment. In this post, we explored various factors, such as processing power, memory, storage, display quality, and connectivity options.

By considering your specific requirements and prioritizing the features that matter most to you, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect budget laptop that enhances your graphic design workflow.

Through our rigorous testing experience, we found the HP Pavilion x360 to be the best budget laptop for graphic design in the current market. It’s an all-rounder– excelling in terms of processing power, convenience, capacity, and display quality. This makes it a perfect device for graphic designers on a budget.

We value your feedback, so please leave a comment and share your thoughts or recommendations on monitors. Have a productive design experience!

  1. Top 10+ Fastest & Most Powerful Laptops for Graphic Designers
  2. The Best Apple MacBooks for Graphic Design 
  3. 20+ Best Monitors for Graphic Design
  4. 20+ Essential Graphic Designer Tools — Hardware & Software
  5. 14+ Best Budget Monitors for Graphic Design 
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1 thought on “10+ Best Budget Laptops for Graphic Design — Expert Picks 2024 (March)”

  1. I am a designer and your blog very helpful to choice best laptop for my designing work. After reading this I know what feature am seeing at the time of buy laptop. Thanks For sharing this information with us.

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