Are you ready to explore these Best laptops for artists buyer’s guides and find the best one for you? 🤔
Awesome!
And let me be clear about something:
Our review team manually tests all the laptops mentioned in our buyer’s guide based on ease of use, price, specifications, and battery power.
So without further ado, Let’s dive right in. 🎭
Many artists prefer drawing on a graphics tablet by connecting it to a computer; technology has been easier, and now artists can draw on a laptop using a digital pen.
Nowadays, there are a lot of laptops that have high resolution and as well as great color-accurate touchscreen displays, in addition to pressure-sensitive digital pens providing accuracy, a feature important for creating graphics.
So what are the best laptops for artists, and which features should you check before buying one?
Best Laptops For Artists – Our Top Pick 👌👌
1. Microsoft Surface Pro
This is one of the multipurpose and most popular laptops in the market. Apart from being powerful from its innards, it has also been used for multiple uses.
The laptop can be connected to an attachable keyboard making it easier as a tablet and laptop. The laptop has one of the best digital pens on any gadget; the Surface Pen, with 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, is accurate while drawing.
Microsoft Surface Pro has exceptional ergonomics that simplify usage. Nonetheless, the Type Cover and the Surface Pen cost $200 for the laptop’s price.
The device’s features include an Intel Core i5 processor, which powers it up, along with 8GB of RAM and 256 SSD storage.
The Surface Pro can also be purchased with a Core i7 processor and 16GB of Ram, making it unique in the sector of powerful convertibles. Furthermore, the device has a realistic color representation because it has a stunning 12.4’’ PixelSense display.
The comfort you get while using the laptop, the stunning display, the practicability of the Surface Pen, and the durability of the battery life make up the Microsoft Surface Pro and what’s not to like.
Below are some of the Pros and Cons of The Microsoft Surface Pro that earned it a spot in our list of Best Laptops For Artists to get in 2022.
Pros:-
- Very sensitive and accurate
- Efficient storage
- Multiple RAM and processor options
- Detailed display
- High pen sensitivity
- Very mobile
Cons:-
- Battery life is not spectacular
- No headphone jack
2. Microsoft Surface Go
The Microsoft Surface Pro has an alternative: Microsoft Surface Go, which is cheaper.
The laptop has similar functions to the Surface Pro, has a type cover and Surface Pen, which are excellent choices that artists can use in drawing, which brings this to our Best laptops for artists list.
The laptop goes for $399; however, you can get an even better version than $549 that has 8GB of RAM, an Intel Premium Pentium Gold processor, and a fast 128GB of SSD storage.
Although it is as powerful as the Surface Pro, it still gives artists the same drawing experience, and you will be paying less than $800; it comes with a Surface Pen and the type cover.
Pros:-
- Sleek design
- Lightweight and mobile
- For the functions offered, it is inexpensive
- Graphics are of high quality
Cons:-
- No headphone jack
- The processor is unsuitable for high-end functions
3. Microsoft Surface Book 2
This is a laptop for artists not restricted by a budget, and you will be guaranteed an excellent experience making one of the best choices for drawing.
Considering the styles of work of an artist or a person drawing on the device, this laptop can be used in four different ways, making it unique from other laptops in the market.
The laptop has been created using premium and lightweight materials, making it adaptable in how the artist intends to work and create.
There is a simple and flexible drawing/painting through Studio Mode utilizing the Surface’s Pen and Surface Dial features.
Surface Book 2 can handle hefty graphics, thus giving stunning visuals at the end of creation. The Surface Pen has 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity that come with the laptop, while the surface dial is bought separately.
The Surface Book 2 comes in two models, including a 13.5-inch and 15-inch PixelSense display with 10-point multi-touch support making it easy to work with and providing great color accuracy.
Regarding the hardware, the hardware front gives you an option of selecting from the 7th Gen Intel Core i5 dual-core processor or 8th Gen Intel Core i7 quad-core processor that has up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD option.
You can also get a powerful Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 when you choose the13 inch i7 model and GTX 1060 GPU when you choose the 15-inch model. The Surface Book 2 will be a perfect choice for artists, given all these features.
Pros:-
- Highly accurate
- It can handle high-end graphics
- Quality display
- Lightweight and mobile
- Smooth and rapid performance
- Multiple storage options are available
- High pen sensitivity
Cons:-
- It is expensive
- It does not come with a surface pen
4. Microsoft Surface Laptop
This is another version of the Microsoft laptop from the Surface series that is also great for artists. Unlike the other Surface series mentioned, this laptop does not have a detachable screen.
It has the propriety PixelSense 13.5 touchscreen technology and a color-accurate display with the support of a Surface Pen, making it great for graphic artwork and artists’ drawing.
Nevertheless, this laptop is inappropriate for individuals looking for a suitable drawing laptop. Still, it can be a useful secondary machine for people for daily needs in addition to unsystematic drawing and editing.
Pros:-
- Great graphics
- High-quality display
Cons:-
- The screen is not detachable
- Pricey for the functions offered
5. Lenovo Yoga 920
Normally, artists prefer a physical medium instead of a digital medium for drawing because, most of the time, digital mediums do not have as much accuracy. However, Lenovo has designed an innovative idea of incorporating pinpoint accuracy for easier and better drawing.
The usability, portability, and aesthetics are other unique features of the Lenovo Yoga 920 drawing. Its other features include a 13.9-inch UHD IPS multi-touch display and an incorporated camera.
The laptop is powered by the latest 8th gen Intel Core i7 processor and a huge RAM of 16GB. The storage front on the laptop is backed by SSD storage of up to 1TB. The device also has a beautiful 4k display in the high-end model and an Active Pen 2 that is very easy to use.
The pen also has 4,096 levels of sensitivity providing stunning depths in the art and drawing.
The Lenovo Yoga 920 is a multipurpose device that can be used in multiple modes depending on what you want. Furthermore, Lenovo Yoga 920 comes with Windows Ink giving it the power to do more tasks that artists need.
Pros:-
- Pinpoint drawing accuracy
- Lightweight and portable
- Smooth and rapid performance
- High pen sensitivity
- Useful for multiple purposes
Cons:-
- The graphics are not very great
At the time of our research on Best Laptops For Artists, we found a video about “10 Great Mysteries Hidden in Famous Paintings” which is worth watching. 🤴🏆
6. Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 Laptop
This is one of the most stunning convertible 2-in-1 laptops and can be used in multiple modes depending on the users’ preference.
XPS 13 2-in-1 is internationally known for being the world’s smallest 13-inch 2-in-1, accompanied by an InfinityEdge touchscreen display.
The display has a virtually borderless viewing experience and beautiful details with its ultra-sharp QHD + resolution. The device has several models that can get customized depending on the user’s requirements.
You can pick Intel Core i5 and i7 processors with up to 16GB of RAM for storage; customers can choose either 128GB or 256GB of SSD storage, providing quicker, better-resilient storage.
The Intel HD graphics back up the graphics; it has the power that can be able to handle the drawing applications on the laptop.
The device also has a premium 360-degree hinge for four flexible positions-tablet, tent, laptop, and stand mode so that you can use it whichever way you want.
The device’s battery life is long-lasting and can go up to 15 hours after charging, making it one of the best laptops an artist can use while drawing.
The laptop also has an Active Pen is not one of the best pens in the market because it supports 2,048 levels of pressure compared to Lenovo’s Active Pen 2 or Surface Pen.
So customers can buy any compatible stylus with better levels of pressure that will allow them to draw with more accuracy and precision.
Pros:-
- High-resolution display
- Touchscreen display
- Lightweight and portable
- Multiple memory and storage options
- Smooth performance
Cons:-
- It is expensive
7. HP Spectre X360 – Best laptop for drawing and animation
It has one of the most beautiful-looking appearances and is accompanied by impressive build quality and aesthetics.
The creators have redefined craftsmanship, ensuring that it has eye-pleasing for every user.
The Spectre X360 is a convertible machine that comes with 360 degrees and thus can be used in four different modes, such as the tablet mode, a favorite among many artists and designers for drawing.
The machine comes with an Nvidia GeForce MX150 graphics card, which gives exquisite graphics with the HP Active Pen in the box). Apart from the display, the area to work on is even better. These features illuminate how perfect it is for the drawing needs of an artist.
The Spectre X360 runs Windows 10 out of the box and gets powered by an 8th Generation Intel Core i7 processor accompanied by either 8/12/16GB of RAM, which depends on your chosen model.
It also comes with several storage choices, and there is also an option for customizing depending on what you require.
Apart from the stunning appearance of the Spectre X360, its performance is also the remarkable one making it one of the best laptops for drawing in the market.
Pros:-
- High-resolution display
- High-end memory options
- Detailed graphics output
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:-
- Battery life is not so great
- The sound system could be better
- A bit expensive
8. Samsung Notebook 9 Pro
Samsung is a South Korean tech giant and thus does not need any introduction to gadgets and electronics.
This is one of the latest convertible laptops from Samsung and was specifically unveiled to be used by artists and designers that want a device that can be used as a slate for their drawings and designing.
The Notebook Pro has an advanced, pressure-sensitive (up to 4000 levels), and intuitively responsive S pen, providing users with accuracy and precision while drawing.
It has a built-in pen that comes along with the laptop and has easy navigation, and can be used for designing and drawing.
Other features of the machine include palm detection, quick selection, gesture support, and the creation of notes, in addition to numerous other intuitive features complimenting the laptop’s efficiency.
Apart from all these aspects, the Notebook 9 Pro also comes with a vigorous in addition to the latest set of innards, including an Intel Core i7-855ou processor, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, dedicated AMD Radeon 540 2GB graphics in addition to a 15inch LED display that has a 1920 x 1080 resolution.
The Notebook’s better resolution means that there sharper images along with crisper output. The screen is one of the aspects that will make you want to purchase the device with its brilliant display.
The Notebook 9 Pro has powerful and efficient features proving that it is one of the best laptops in the market, not forgetting it can be used in several modes depending on how it will suit the user, which makes it us to put in The Best laptops for artists list.
Pros:-
- High pen sensitivity
- Rapid and smooth performance
- Good display
- High resolution
Cons:-
- The battery is not very reliable
9. Lenovo Yoga Book – Best laptop for artists and writers
This is by far the best convertible in the Lenovo Yoga series. The laptop has been designed to have a high-quality alloy and a signature hinge, enabling it to convert into multiple versatile modes that can easily adapt to every user’s usage.
The machine has been designed to be made to be remarkable. Additionally, the device comes with a Real Pen letting you digitize notes whenever you write. Whether it is notes or drawings, the Yoga Book has got you covered and will perform the function perfectly.
It can be a great substitute for the general notebook that is easy to carry for drawing and storage. The pen has flawless precision, and the laptop can take pressure-sensitive touches, drawing with extreme precision and accuracy.
Another great aspect of the device is that the pen does not need direct charging since it is always charging using the EMR (Electro-Magnetic Resonance) technology
. This means that users can plug and play the device with no worries regarding charging or pairing the pen with the laptop.
As if this is not enough, the Lenovo Yoga Book also gives its users powerful hardware that runs drawing applications smoothly; there are also a lot of other accessories that come with the machine enabling the user to maximize the usage of the Yoga Book.
Pros:-
- Easy to carry around
- High pen accuracy
- The pen does not require charging
- Smooth and rapid application performance
- High-quality display
- It is inexpensive
Cons:-
- Memory and storage size could be better
10. Acer Spin 1
This laptop is unique because it has been designed such that even kids can use it not forgetting how affordable convertible laptops it is.
Its features include an 11.6-inch full HD display and multi-touch and wide-viewing angles. Beneath the hood, the laptop has been powered by a mid-range Intel Pentium N4200 Quad-Core processor that can reach a speed of 2.5HHz in full throttle.
The device can multitask since it has 4GB RAM with storage compartments managed by 64GB of internal storage, which is suitable for kids.
Moreover, the Acer Spin 1 has a dedicated digital pen called the Acre Active Stylus that an artist uses for drawing, editing, selecting, and many more.
The device also supports Windows Ink letting the users capture ideas when they think about them. The machine’s versatility enables it to have four different modes, like the other devices mentioned in this list.
But what sets it apart from other laptops is that it is affordable for designing, drawing, and much more artwork. That is not all; the Acer Spin 1 will give you a battery life lasting up to 9 hours after charging.
Pros:-
- It is quite affordable
- Long battery life
- Lightweight and portable
- Sleek design
Cons:-
- Small screen size
- The processor is not top-notch
11. ASUS Transformer Pro – Best laptops for artists on a budget
The top-notch convertible machine gives you the same flexibility as Microsoft Surface Pro. This laptop is awesome, particularly when you require drawing and design uses.
The laptop has several smart features that are very useful peripherals inside the box, making it a unique laptop. Other features include the detachable illuminated keyboard, a USB Type-C dongle, and a stylus (digital pen) for drawing.
It additionally has a 12.6-inch touch display with a resolution of 2164×1440 pixels. The device has a clear display and a very accurate color (100% sRGB), making it a great device for artists.
The laptop uses Windows 10 out of the box, and there are also advanced features that come with it, like one-touch and other improved security features that require fingerprint login.
It runs on the 7th generation Intel Core i7 processor with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. The ASUS Transformer Pro is suitable for carrying around because of its lightweight weighing 1.9lbs together with the keyboard.
It has also been built with premium-grade metal, providing an outstanding finish to the laptop.
Not forgetting that the laptop has a long-lasting battery makes the device yet another convertible laptop that is great for designing and drawing.
Pros:-
- High-resolution display
- The smooth running of applications
- Lightweight and mobile
- Long battery life
- Detailed color output
Cons:-
- Small screen size
- The display is not very bright
12. HP EliteBook x360 G3
Another incredible device is the EliteBook x360 G3 with its powerful innards. It is convertible style running on the 8th generation of Intel Core processors.
The laptop is one of the best for designing and drawing since it has an HP Active Pen Stylus in the box with high accuracy and a stunning 13.3 inch full HP IPS touchscreen display.
This laptop ensures that the artist achieves the type of perfection that an artist desires, and one is not restricted to traditional brushes.
Because of advancements in technology, there is comfort while using, simplicity as well as precision on a digital platform.
Another great thing about the laptop is that an artist can use all the devices in various modes along with a long-lasting battery.
Below are some of the Pros and Cons of the HP EliteBook x360 G3 that earned it a spot in our list of Best Laptops For Artists to get in 2022.
Pros:-
- Rapid performance
- Bright display
- Lightweight and mobile
- Sleek design
- High pen accuracy
- Long battery life
Cons:-
- It is a bit expensive
13. Apple MacBook Pro with Retina Display
The Apple MacBook Pro has newly added Intel CPUs that are out of this world and delightful for artists. The MacBook has a quicker memory, making it possible for artists to do their work efficiently.
It has a long-lasting battery working well for individuals who need to work for a long without constantly charging. The design, performance, features, as well as battery life of the MacBook Pro is outstanding such that few laptops today can be placed on the same level as this device.
Artists have always used MacBook over the years and it does not disappoint. The device keeps getting new updates consistently, which does not affect its performance. This update ensures that the MacBook keeps up with the cut-throat competition.
The MacBook Pro is a pricey laptop, but despite how expensive it is, it will be worth every penny since it creates a perfect balance between how it performs, battery life, expandability, and ease of moving around with.
The features of the MacBook Pro have been designed to take care of all the needs of the user without a problem. The long-life battery can last up to 10 hours; it has a resolution of 2560×1600 and supports a 13.3-inch Retina display well.
Another advantage of the laptop is that it boots up faster and starts faster than other laptops. It has a hard drive that is 22 times faster than normal hard drives making it a perfect laptop for artists and designers.
The only downside of the laptop is that it does not have an inbuilt CD/DVD drive so a user may need to buy one; it is also not easy to upgrade the SSD and memory.
Below are some of the Pros and Cons of The Apple MacBook Pro with Retina Display that earned it a spot in our list of Best Laptops For Artists to get in 2022.
Pros:-
- Long-lasting battery
- High-resolution display
- Rapid and efficient performance
- Rapid booting
- Retina display
- Sleek design
- Very fast memory
Cons:-
- Certain ports are not available
- A bit expensive
- No DVD/CD drive
📗 FAQs on Best Laptops For Artists
Below are a few queries on Best Laptops For Artists that everyone is expecting to answer, and I did include the same for my readers.
How much RAM do you need for digital art?
8GB RAM is recommended in general for graphics work.
Is Ram important for photo editing?
We recommend 16GB RAM if you are running the latest Creative Cloud applications.
Is 8gb RAM good enough for Photoshop?
Yes, 8GB RAM is sufficient for basic edits in Photoshop Lightroom CC.
Is 16gb RAM enough for 4k editing?
If you want to edit 4K files, this amount of RAM is sufficient, but not ideal either.
Conclusion
All the laptops mentioned above in our Best laptops for artists lists are laptops that have also been reviewed by experts, and professional artists that have used them are still using the devices in their professions.
All the laptops have different features that differentiate them from each other. Generally, each laptop listed above is a credible competitor that will serve your needs, such as designing and drawing, depending on what you prefer.
