If there’s one thing artists universally understand, it’s the need for portability regarding their chosen medium. Traditional artists have sketchbooks, painters have portable easels, and so on. With this new digital age comes the rise of digital artists and new tools to support these artists with whatever they create. Game Rant has already coveredthe best drawing tablets for digital artists, but these tools only go so far when considering the portability of making digital art.
A great laptop can be an absolute life changer for digital artists, as these devices can bring the most commonly used tools and programs anywhere, without the cleanup. This is especially relevant when discussingthe best 2-in-1 laptops, which often serve as both the device and the drawing tablet, which means you have one less thing to carry while on the go. If you’re in the market for the best device that can be used anywhere whenever the urge to create strikes, but you’re unsure where to start, then this guide is perfect for you!
Game Rant’s Picks for The Best Laptops for Artists
ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 Gaming Laptop (RTX 4090)
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 Gaming Laptop is a gaming laptop that can double as a very capable productivity-centric PC in the blink of an eye. Sporting dual screens including a 2K Mini-LED primary and a 4K-esque secondary screen, the Zephyrus Duo is an eye-catching Laptop, now with hardware to match, thanks to a capable AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX processor and an Nvidia RTX 4090 to power what is a behemoth by modern laptop standards.
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 stands as the best overall laptop for artists, thanks to its blend of high-end artistic and technical capabilities. It features an impressive AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX CPU and Nvidia RTX 4090 GPU, designed to effortlessly manage tasks from complex 3D modeling to intensive video editing. The laptop’s standout feature is its dual-display setup, which not only enlarges the creative workspace but also enhances productivity.
While the Zephyrus Duo 16’s design has elicited mixed reactions, particularly concerning the back panel’s look, it’s worth noting that there have been some concerns regarding its gaming performance. Nonetheless, for artists focused on their craft, the superior quality of the main screen and the added utility of a second display make it an outstanding choice. These features ensure the Zephyrus Duo 16’s position as the best overall laptop for artists seeking performance and versatility.
Razer Blade 18 Gaming Laptop (RTX 4090)
The Razer Blade 18 Gaming Laptop is a laptop that pushes the boundaries of what people can genuinely call a gaming laptop (but in a good way). Razer has no qualms about it, calling it the ultimate desktop replacement with a feature-packed offering that also comes with some of the most premium pricing on the market.
For artists and creators demanding the best GPU laptop, the Razer Blade 18 emerges as the champion. With its Intel Core i9-13950HX 24-core processor and NVIDIA RTX 4090 GPU, it redefines the boundaries of portable computing power. The 240Hz 2K display not only brings your creations to life with breathtaking clarity and vibrancy but also offers an unparalleled canvas for detailed work in design and animation.
Even with its steep price tag, the Razer Blade 18 justifies the investment through unparalleled build quality and reliability. The dual 1TB NVMe SSDs and 32GB DDR5 RAM make sure that you’re equipped with the speed and storage necessary for the most demanding projects. While its heft and battery life may pose considerations for those on the move, its performance capabilities position it as the best GPU laptop for artists, setting a new standard for what’s possible in mobile creative workstations.
LG Gram Pro
One of the lightest models of its kind, the LG gram Pro stands as a unison between top-quality specifications and artist-friendly ingenuity. This laptop features a high-resolution 16-inch OLED display that boasts 100% GCI-P3 color gamut. This means that the display is capable of delivering intense darks and lights, with a crisp emphasis on detail. This display makes the LG gram Pro a great choice for digital artists in all fields, and its lightweight form factor enables effortless portability.
The LG gram is a lineup of notebooks and laptops that pride themselves on delivering top-quality visuals to artists and creatives in combination with fast specifications. When searching for a laptop that delivers fantastic performance that isn’t heavy or unwieldy, the LG gram Pro is one of the best options. This 16-inch laptop weighs in at just under 3lbs, making it one of the most lightweight laptops available on this list. In addition, users can enjoy the efficiency of the Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor to easily tackle rendering and CPU-intensive programs. In addition, the 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM ensures minimal lag and hiccups while working on programs like Photoshop.
For digital painters and artists who often utilize drawing tablets for their daily work, theLG gram Pro 2-in1is another great option in the same family that delivers similar performance at a slight price increase. The LG gram Pro 2-in-1 laptop varies from its sibling due to the inclusion of a versatile display and stylus to transform the device into an easy-to-use canvas. If you’re a creative who is frequently on the move and looking for a lightweight and portable device to use on a daily basis, then the LG gram Pro makes for a fantastic choice.
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 14”165Hz Gaming Laptop (RTX 4070)
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 14”165Hz Gaming Laptop is one of the most well-respected compact gaming laptops in the business, throwing in impressive CPU and GPU combinations in a tight form factor while exacting a significant amount of performance out of them.With an AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS and an Nvidia RTX 4070 in tow, the G14 comes equipped to take on games at its target display resolution of 2K with a refresh rate of 165Hz which offers an IPS panel and up to 500 nits of brightness as part of its feature set.
Introducing our best mid-range laptop for artists, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14. This powerhouse laptop is a dream come true for artists seeking a blend of performance and portability. With its AMD Ryzen 9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, this laptop handles intensive creative software with ease, making it ideal for digital art, 3D modeling, and more. The 14" QHD 165Hz display ensures your creations look vibrant and detailed, further enhanced by the laptop’s lightweight design that makes it perfect for artists on the go.
While the Zephyrus G14 impresses with its specifications, it’s worth noting that the laptop can become warm during heavy use and offers a limited selection of ports for external devices. However, its exceptional combination of a high-refresh-rate screen, ample storage, and robust processing power firmly establishes it as the best mid-range laptop for artists. For a deeper dive into its capabilities, check out thefull review.
GIGABYTE AERO 16
The Gigabyte Aero features a fantastic Ultra HD 4K OLED display that is great for image and video editing, as well as any artistic task that relies on visual fidelity. The 16-inch display has been color calibrated to ensure 100% color accuracy and even boasts a Pantone Validation. In addition, this laptop features a dedicated RTX 4070 GPU as well as an Intel Core i9, making it a great all-around laptop suitable for work and play.
The Gigabyte Aero 16 prioritizes high-resolution visual fidelity and color accuracy, presenting one of the top displays in combination with high-end hardware. This laptop features an ultra-thin bezel to ensure seamless visual clarity. Boasting a high-definition 4K UHD+ OLED display with vibrant colors and true blacks, the Gigabyte Aero has been Pantone Validated, and each laptop is individually calibrated to ensure complete color accuracy.
Although the display is a major selling point of this laptop, it also boasts an impressive set of hardware components to ensure that this laptop not only looks great but performs just as well. Equipped with one of the latest Intel i9 processors and an RTX 4070, this laptop should be able to handle even the most demanding programs as well as a variety of games. If you’re in the market for one of the best visuals a laptop can offer, and money is not a primary concern, then the Gigabyte Aero 16 is an investment that proves to be well worth it.
ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 2-In-1 Laptop touchscreen
Asus Chromebook Flip C434 is a study, well-built touchscreen laptop with an aluminum finish that adds a touch of class and style. Featuring a 14-inch Touchscreen and ultra-narrow bezels, this laptop has the power and flexibility to get everything done.It also has a durable 360-degree hinge that can flip the touchscreen display for a more comfortable working experience. In addition, it’s powered by the Intel Core m3-8100Y Processor for fast performance.
The ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 combines elegance with efficiency, making it the best laptop for artists on a budget. Its sturdy aluminum frame and flexible 2-in-1 design provide a reliable and versatile canvas for creativity, while the Full HD Touchscreen brings your art to life with vivid clarity. Perfect for both traditional note-taking and digital art, the Flip C434 ensures your creations move seamlessly with you.
This Chromebook does not skimp on performance, either. The Intel Core M3 processor and 4GB DDR3 RAM handle most artistic applications with ease, although heavy multitaskers might desire more. While the display’s brightness and keyboard ergonomics could be improved, the Flip C434 still makes a top choice for artists seeking the best budget laptop.
How To Choose The Best Laptop for Artists
Choosing the right laptop for artistic endeavors goes beyond mere specifications; it’s about finding a helpful companion for your creative process. When selecting the ideal laptop for your artistic journey, consider the following critical aspects:
Once you’ve found the perfect laptop for your artistic pursuits, consider upgrading your creative workflow further with specialized accessories. Avibrant RGB gaming keyboardcan add a splash of color to your workspace and offer the precision and responsiveness you need for art-related software shortcuts.
FAQ
Q: Can artists use any laptop for digital art?
Not all laptops are equal for digital art. Artists need high-resolution displays and powerful hardware for the best creative experience.
Q: What’s important in a laptop for graphic design?
For graphic design, look for laptops with accurate color display, strong graphics performance, and sufficient RAM to handle design software.
Q: Are gaming laptops good for artists?
Yes, gaming laptops often have the high-end specifications ideal for demanding art applications, including superior graphics and processing power.
