The best laptops for 3D modelling: premium computers for high-end processing

Our three picks of the best laptops for 3D modelling.
(Image credit: Future)
Recent updates

November 13: We expect the MacBook Pro M4 to enter this list – we currently testing it and will update when we have done so.

The best laptops for 3D modelling and rendering are all about saving you time and speeding up your workflow. With plenty of fast memory, powerful CPUs and GPUs, and lots of storage, they're able to tackle high-end 3D software and complex projects.

ASUS ProArt P16
UK deal
ASUS ProArt P16: was £2,799.99 now £2,599.99 at Amazon

Save £200: This is one of the finest laptops ever made for creative professionals, and it's £200 off this Black Friday. The above price is for the godlike 64GB RAM version, but there's a slightly more earthly 32GB version available too, and that's £200 off too, now £2,299.99.

HP Omen Transcend 14
HP Omen Transcend 14: was US$1,749 now US$1,649 at Amazon

Save $100: If you like a spot of gaming with your 3D rendering, the HP Omen Transcend 14 hits the spot nicely. Even more nicely now that it's $100 off.

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PriceTypical Apple premium pricing★★★★½
DesignSleek, professional with Liquid Retina display★★★★★
PerformanceWill run 3D software quickly and efficiently★★★★½
Battery lifeUp to 10 hours intensive use★★★★★
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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PriceVery affordable★★★★★
DesignLess sleek than rivals★★★
PerformanceStrong performance for 3D modelling★★★★
Battery lifeDecent for its class★★★
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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PriceCompetitive at this level of power★★★★★
DesignStunning screen, innovative ASUS Dial★★★★★
PerformanceExceptional speed for 3D modeling★★★★★
Battery lifeOver 10 hours of video playback★★★★★
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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PriceHigh-end pricing for high-end performance★★★★
DesignLarge screen, but off-centre trackpad★★★★
PerformanceExceptional CPU and GPU performance★★★★½
Battery lifeApprox. 3 hours for creative work★★★
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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PricePremium pricing★★★★
DesignRobust but heavy★★★
PerformanceOutstanding, especially GPU★★★★★
Battery lifeLimited, especially for 3D★★★
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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PriceVery expensive★★★
DesignBuilt like a tank but heavy★★★★
PerformanceClass-leading in all metrics★★★★★
Battery lifeLimited★★★
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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PricePremium but justified★★★★
DesignPortable but some flex★★★
PerformanceStrong across all tests★★★★★
Battery lifeAverage for the class★★★
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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PriceExpensive★★★
DesignInnovative but somewhat heavy★★★★
PerformanceAdequate for basic 3D work★★★
Battery lifeDisappointing★★★
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ASUS ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED

ASUS ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED
When we tested this laptop we were blown away by its power and performance, and its glorious, glasses-free 3D screen. It's perfect for 3D modelling and rendering because it can handle demanding creative software easily, meaning no lag and speedy rendering times.
Read our 4.5-star review.

Razer Blade 17

Razer Blade 17 Our tests show that this 2022 17-inch laptop gobbles up 3D tasks. We ran Blender alongside browsing tabs and Netflix, and found it was totally silent and no annoying lag. Plus the Blender benchmark came out close to a full desktop computer's capabilities.
Read our 4.5-star review.

Dell Precision 5470

Dell Precision 5470 An unassuming machine packed with power, this is truly portable option that rivals a workstation in its power. Our benchmarks tests shows it will handle most 3D tasks without issue – the specs we tested put it close to an MacBook Pro M2 Pro.
Read our 4.5-star review

MSI Creator Z17 HX Studio

MSI Creator Z17 HX Studio This is an expensive laptop, but it's no slouch in the performance department – and its 16:10 display supports a stylus so you can create directly on the screen. In our testing, we found we could multitask whilst running creative apps with no issue, although battery life isn't great.
Read our 4-star review

Erlingur Einarsson
Tech Reviews Editor

Erlingur is the Tech Reviews Editor on Creative Bloq. Having worked on magazines devoted to Photoshop, films, history, and science for over 15 years, as well as working on Digital Camera World and Top Ten Reviews in more recent times, Erlingur has developed a passion for finding tech that helps people do their job, whatever it may be. He loves putting things to the test and seeing if they're all hyped up to be, to make sure people are getting what they're promised. Still can't get his wifi-only printer to connect to his computer.