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. The Best War Games has already covered the 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 discussing the 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!
The Best War Games's Picks for The Best Laptops for Artists
ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 Gaming Laptop (RTX 4090)
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Pro
- CPU
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX 16-Core CPU
- GPU
- RTX 4090 16GB GDDR6 175W
- Storage
- 2TB PCI-E 4.0
- Battery
- 90WHr 4 Cell Battery
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 16' 2K, Mini LED, 240Hz + 14' (3840 x 1100) IPS-level
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.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Camera
- 1080P, 30FPS
- Speakers
- 6 Speaker Array
- Memory
- 32GB DDR5 4800MHz
- Ports
- USB-A, USB-C, Ethernet, HDMI 2.1, Headphone Jack
- Network
- Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.2 + 2.5G Ethernet
- Dimensions
- 13.98" x 10.47" x 0.81"
- Weight
- 5.89 lb
- Form
- 16'
- Brand
- ASUS ROG
- Power
- 330W AC Adapter
- Dual displays with a primary 16" 2K Mini-LED and secondary 14" screen, perfect for multitasking
- High 240Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals
- Generous 32GB DDR5 RAM and 2TB PCIe 4.0 storage
- Hefty at 5.89 lb, which may affect portability
- Limited Wi-Fi 6E compatibility
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)
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Home
- CPU
- Intel Core i9-13950HX 24 Core Processor
- GPU
- RTX 4090 16GB GDDR6 175W
- Storage
- 2TB NVME (1+1TB SSD)
- Battery
- 91.7 WHr Li-Ion Battery
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 2K (2560 x 1600), 18" 240 Hz IPS
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.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Camera
- 5MP Webcam (Windows Hello support)
- Speakers
- 2 Speaker, 4 Woofer Array
- Colors
- Black
- Memory
- 32 GB DDR5 5600MHz
- Ports
- USB-A, USB-C, HDMI 2.1, SD Card, Ethernet
- Network
- Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Ethernet 2.5G
- Dimensions
- 0.86" x 10.84" x 15.74"
- Weight
- 6.80 lbs
- Form
- 18''
- Brand
- Razer
- Model
- RZ09-0484UEH4-R3U1
- Power
- 330W AC Power Adapter
- Desktop-grade performance in a portable design
- 240Hz 2K display for ultra-smooth and detailed visuals
- Intel Core i9-13950HX 24-core processor and NVIDIA RTX 4090 GPU for top-tier power
- Heavy for a laptop, impacting portability
- Limited battery life under heavy use
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
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Home
- CPU
- Intel® Evo™ Edition powered by Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processors
- GPU
- NVIDIA RTX3050 with GDDR6 4GB
- RAM
- 32GB LPDDR5x RAM
- Storage
- 2TB NVMe PCIe Gen 4 SSD
- Battery
- 90 Wh Video playback: up to 24.5 hours
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.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 16", 2880 x 1800
- Colors
- DCI-P3 100% (Typical)
- Network
- Intel WiFi-6E AX211 (WiFi 6E, 2x2, BT Combo)
- Dimensions
- 14.08" x 9.9" x 0.51 ~ 0.56"
- Weight
- 2.82 lbs
- Brand
- LG
- Model
- gram Pro
- Audio
- Stereo Speaker (3.0W x2) Smart AMP (MAX 5W)
- Webcam
- FHD Webcam with Dual Mic
- Under 3lbs
- RTX 3050 suitable for casual gaming
- Fantastic 4K OLED display
- Expensive
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, the LG gram Pro 2-in1 is 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)
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Home
- CPU
- AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS
- GPU
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
- RAM
- 16GB DDR5
- Storage
- 1TB NVME SSD
- Battery
- 76WHr 4-Cell
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.
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 14 Inches,2560 x 1440 (QHD)
- Camera
- 1080P FHD IR Camera
- Speakers
- Yes
- Colors
- Moonlight White
- Network
- Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
- Weight
- 3.64 lbs
- Brand
- ASUS ROG
- Powerful AMD Ryzen 9 CPU and NVIDIA RTX 4070 GPU combo
- Compact and lightweight at just 3.64 lbs
- Stunning 14" QHD 165Hz display with 500 nits brightness
- Battery life may decrease under heavy usage
- Price point may be a barrier for some artists
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 the full review.
GIGABYTE AERO 16
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Home
- CPU
- Intel Core i9-13900H
- GPU
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU
- RAM
- 32GB DDR5 RAM
- Storage
- 1TB SSD
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.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 16", 3840x2400 60Hz OLED
- Colors
- White
- Brand
- GIGABYTE
- Model
- AERO
- Audio
- Dynamic Audio: DTS:X Ultra Audio Technology
- Good for gaming
- RK UHD+ OLED Display
- DTS-X Ultra theater-level speakers
- Fans can be noisy
- Prone to overheating
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
- Operating System
- Chrome OS
- CPU
- Intel Core M3-8100Y Processor,
- GPU
- Intel HD Graphics 615
- RAM
- 4GB DDR3 RAM
- Storage
- 64 GB
- Battery
- 10 Hours
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.
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 14" Full HD Touchscreen 4-Way NanoEdge
- Robust aluminum build with a versatile 14-inch Full HD Touchscreen
- 360-degree hinge for easy transformation into a tablet
- Up to 10 hours of battery life for extended use
- Limited to 4GB DDR3 RAM, may not suit all needs
- 64 GB internal memory could be limiting for storage-heavy users
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:
- Display Quality: An artist's eye demands precision and vibrancy, which is why display quality is crucial. A high-resolution screen with accurate color representation is critical for detailed and vibrant artworks, which is why you should opt for Pantone Validated displays whenever possible. OLED displays also bring vibrant colors and true values to better help you capture the right chiaroscuro while working. A laptop with a high-resolution, color-accurate screen brings your creations to life and also makes sure that what you see is what you get. This is important for all forms of digital creation, whether it's for painting, video editing, 3D modeling, or graphic design.
- Performance and Speed: When your creativity flows, you don't want your tools to lag behind. High-performance laptops with powerful processors and substantial RAM can handle complex layers in Photoshop, run 3D modeling software smoothly, and support the multitasking that artists often require without breaking a sweat.
- Stylus Support: For those who sketch, draw, or paint digitally, stylus support is a game-changer. The precision and versatility of a stylus can emulate a natural drawing experience, making a compatible laptop an invaluable asset for digital artists looking to translate their strokes and sketches into digital masterpieces. This also results in one less thing to carry, which is important for artists on the go.
Once you've found the perfect laptop for your artistic pursuits, consider upgrading your creative workflow further with specialized accessories. A vibrant RGB gaming keyboard can 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.