The best laptops for photo editing

Three of the best laptops for photo editing on a purple background
(Image credit: Future / Apple / Asus / Microsoft)

The best laptops for photo editing provide the power to run resource-intensive software such as Photoshop without breaking a sweat. They also boast high-resolution, colour-accurate displays so you can see everything clearly and in detail. And best of all, they're light and compact, so you can just stick them in your bag and go.

To narrow down your choices, our experts have tested a wide range of laptops, running benchmark tests to check their capabilities, and using them to edit images in some of best photo editing software, to make sure they actually do the job well in practice. We've used those experience to whittle down our list to the absolute best laptops for photo editing on the market today. 

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Apple MacBook Air 15 test results
AttributesNotesRating
Design and buildTypical Apple good looks.★★★★★
PerformanceBlistering performance in our tests★★★★★
DisplayA beautiful screen that's clear and bridge★★★★
PricingExpensive, but well priced for a MacBook★★★★
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Apple MacBook Air 15 test results
AttributesNotesRating
Design and buildWe love this understated look★★★★★
PerformancePowerful chips deliver fast performance★★★★★
DisplaySuperb colour accuracy and precision★★★★
PricingReassuringly expensive★★★★
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Surface Laptop Studio 2 test results
AttributesNotesRating
Design and buildWe love the hybrid functionality★★★★★
PerformancePlenty of power on offer★★★★★
DisplayA gorgeous touchscreen★★★★★
PricingYou pay extra as it's a hybrid★★★
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Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED test results
AttributesNotesRating
Design and buildThin, light and portable★★★★★
PerformanceFast processing but no dedicated GPU★★★★
DisplayExcllent colour coverage and accuracy★★★★★
PricingOn the expensive side★★★
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Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M3 Pro) test results
AttributesNotesRating
Design and buildSleek and professional looking.★★★★★
PerformanceOodles of power from the M3 chip★★★★★
DisplayOur favourite MacBook screen to date★★★★★
PricingPerfection comes at a high price★★★
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Asus Vivobook Pro 16 test results
AttributesNotesRating
Design and buildSlim and premium feeling★★★★★
PerformanceImpressive for the price★★★★
DisplayExcellent contrast and brightness★★★★
PricingGreat value for these specs.★★★★★
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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PricePremium pricing★★★★
DesignDoes the job but doesn't exite★★★½
PerformanceImpressive speed and responsiveness★★★★½
Battery lifeLimited in our tests★★★
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Asus Zenbook Duo (2024) test results
AttributesNotesRating
Design and buildNot a gimmick but actually useful★★★★
PerformanceVery powerful processing.★★★★★
DisplayOLED screen with great colour coverage★★★★★
PricingGood value considering what you get★★★★
Asus ProArt Studiobook OLED (H7604)

Asus ProArt Studiobook OLED (H7604)
The predecessor to number 2 on our list is still very capable, and able to handle all kinds of photo editing tasks well. Our reviewer loved the colour accuracy of its 16-inch 3.2K OLED display but it is pricey, heavy, and has limited battery life.
Read our 4.5-star review

Dell XPS 17 (9710)

Dell XPS 17 (9710) While it's a couple of years old now, the Dell XPS 17 9710 remains a a capable and compelling choice for creative professionals who need to edit photos as part of their job. 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
We found this powerful laptop handles photo editing and more with ease. We experienced no lag with 3D rendering, and it can give the MacBook Pro a run for its money.
Read our 4.5-star review

Framework

Framework
Framework is harder to find, but it could be worth it as a sustainable investment since it's designed to be easy to take it apart and swap components. That means it can keep up with changes as internal components improve, and the demands of editing software increase, which may happen as more AI tech is incorporated.
Read our 4.5-star review

Acer Swift Edge 16

Acer Swift Edge 16
Our reviewer's verdict was that the Acer Swift Edge 16 is an excellent all-around laptop. It strikes a fine balance between power and portability, and is surprisingly light and agile for a 16-inch laptop. While it’s not built for the beefiest of 3D rendering tasks or video editing, it is still capable of handling image-editing tasks with ease.
Read our 4.5-star review

Matt Hanson

Matt has been a technology journalist for over 15 years, writing for publications such as T3, MacFormat and Creative Bloq. He's a managing editor of TechRadar, Creative Bloq's sister site, where he can be found writing about and reviewing laptops, computers, monitors and more. He often writes for Creative Bloq, helping creatives find their perfect laptop or PC.

With contributions from