The best laptops for Photoshop

Three of the best laptops for Photoshop on an orange background
(Image credit: Future / Apple / Asus)

The best laptops for Photoshop need to be able to power through the more power-hungry GPU-accelerate features in Adobe's software while providing colour-accurate displays that allow you to see your photos, designs or digital art as they really look. However, different users will have varying priorities in terms of portability, screen size and budget.

As a regular Photoshop user myself, I've used the software on a wide range of laptops, and our team of reviewers has tested even more, from budget laptops to MacBooks and some of the most powerful Windows laptops. We've put them all through benchmark tests and hands-on real-world use with Photoshop itself. We've evaluated display size and quality, performance, build and battery life to identify the best Photoshop laptop for different needs. The result is the handpicked selection below.

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Apple MacBook Air 15 test results
AttributesNotesRating
Design and buildIt's a MacBook, so it looks great.★★★★★
PerformanceThe M3 chip provided great processing and graphic performance for Photoshop in our tests★★★★★
DisplayClear and bright, we're big fans★★★★
PricingThere cheaper laptops for Photoshop, but this is well priced for a MacBook★★★★
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Asus ProArt Studiobook OLED test results
AttributesNotesRating
Design and buildCompact, versatile 2-in-1 design with thoughtful features★★★★½
PerformanceExcellent performance for creative tasks, including AI capabilities★★★★★
DisplayHigh-quality OLED touchscreen with great color accuracy★★★★½
PricingPremium price, but justified by the specs and features★★★★
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Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M3 Pro) test results
AttributesNotesRating
Design and buildPremium Apple quality.★★★★★
PerformanceLots of power for demanding workflows beyond Photoshop.★★★★★
DisplayThe biggest and best screen on a MacBook.★★★★★
PricingMore expensive than necessary for Photoshop.★★★
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Asus Vivobook Pro 16 test results
AttributesNotesRating
Design and buildslim build with a premium feel.★★★★★
PerformanceExcellent performance for this price.★★★★
DisplayGood enough colour coverage for most users that have very specific needs.★★★★
PricingVery well priced for these specs.★★★★★
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Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED test results
AttributesNotesRating
Design and buildIncredibly light and compact.★★★★★
PerformanceSolid all-round performance but no dedicated GPU.★★★★
DisplayGreat colour coverage and accuracy.★★★★★
PricingMore expensive than the base MacBook Air 15.★★★
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Surface Laptop Studio 2 test results
AttributesNotesRating
Design and buildInnovative form factor with handy easel mode.★★★★★
PerformancePlenty of configuration options.★★★★★
DisplayGreat touchscreen with solid specs for Photoshop.★★★★★
PricingMore expensive than some comparable laptops.★★★
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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PricePremium pricing that befits a powerful laptop★★★★
DesignFunctional but unexciting★★★½
PerformanceFast and powerful★★★★½
Battery lifeLimited for creative work★★★
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Asus Zenbook Duo (2024) test results
AttributesNotesRating
Design and buildVery innovative form factor.★★★★
PerformanceLots of power on offer.★★★★★
DisplayThe dual screen format is unusual but can be very useful.★★★★★
PricingReasonably priced considering you get two screens.★★★★
Asus ProArt Studiobook OLED (H7604)

Asus ProArt Studiobook OLED (H7604)
This laptop features some very powerful components making it ideal for everything from basic image editing to 3D work in Photoshop. Our reviewer loved the colour accuracy of its 16-inch 3.2K OLED display and overall performance, but also noted that it's expensive, heavy, and has limited battery life.
Read our 4.5-star review

Dell XPS 17 (9710)

Dell XPS 17 (9710) Launched in 2022, the Dell XPS 17 9710 remains a a capable and compelling choice for creative professionals looking for a powerful machine for Photoshop work. In our tests, it tackled graphically demanding and processor-intensive tasks well, all the time staying cool. Plus it's pretty good for gaming too.
Read our 4.5-star review

Dell Precision 5470

Dell Precision 5470
This model handles not just Photoshop with ease, but also more resource-intensive tasks like image editing and 3D rendering with no lag or performance issues to speak of. It can give the MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 Pro a run for its money, even though that costs $1,000 more.
Read our 4.5-star review

Acer Swift Edge 16

Acer Swift Edge 16
The Acer Swift Edge 16 is an excellent all-around mid-range laptop. It may lack the graphics power for 4K gaming or heavy 3D rendering tasks, but it can handle basic editing in Photoshop.
Read our 4.5-star review

Framework

Framework
Framework is great for Photoshop work, because you can upgrade it if you find yourself needing more power as file sizes get larger. The hot-swappable ports are super useful, especially if you have more than one place of work. For example, you can swap the HDMI port for a MicroSD port if you need to.
Read our 4.5-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. 

With contributions from