This post was most recently updated on June 20th, 2023
Top 12 Best Laptop For Sketchup
The best laptops for SketchUp will be chosen by you to fit your specific needs. Creating your 3D model has never been easier with SketchUp, the free 3D modelling software created by Google.
SketchUp is software that allows users to design and manipulate 3D models. It allows for the quick, easy design of things like houses, cars, furniture, and even cookie cutters.
It’s simple to use and ideal for beginners. Users can select from a variety of 2D templates and shapes or draw their 3D objects to start with. However, before you begin, it’s important to make sure you have the proper hardware to take full advantage of all the program has to offer.
The main thing to look at is what software you plan on using most often. If you are just starting with SketchUp and are not sure how much time you will put into it, then something like a $500 laptop might be sufficient.
| Service | Main Features | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
1  | Lenovo Legion 5 15: Best Budget
| Price | |
2  | Dell G7 17: Best for AutoCAD and SketchUp
| Price | |
3  | Apple MacBook Air 13.3: Best Overall
| Price |
However, if sketch up is going to be your primary software and you spend several hours a day modelling in 3D, then something more powerful would be preferable.
We’ve put together this list of the best laptops for SketchUp to ensure that you get a high-performance laptop without breaking the bank.
MSI GF65 Laptop
Features
- 144hz refresh rate full HD display
- 3ms response time IPS pane
- RTX 3060 6GB NVIDIA GeForce
- Top of line specs
- Thin design
Review
The MSI GF65 Thin is the best balance between performance and price on the market. Featuring top-of-line specs, including Intel Core i7-10750H processor paired with RTX3060 graphics card all while still maintaining portability thanks to its thin design at only 0.8 thick! With 144hz refresh rate display, 3ms response time IPS panel which makes this laptop perfect for both CAD designing as well as everyday work usage such as gaming, watching movies, or editing photos/videos.
The MSI GF65 laptop series is budget-friendly in terms of its competition with other laptops like the Lenovo Legion 5 15, Apple MacBook Air, ASUS TUF Dash, or Acer Predator Helios.
Drawbacks
The only drawback is its fan noise, whenever it is plugged into the outlet fan will generate noise even if MSI is set to silent mode. A fan will be only silent when it is operating at a battery power solely.
Otherwise, the fan will generate noise at 33 dB(A) on low-power tasks like performing web browsing or any video display tasks which is quite annoying.
Pros
- Design is appealing and subtle.
- Beautiful and quick display
- Processor with high Outstanding performance
- Its high-end graphics card for the money
- The ideal setup for operating SketchUp Pro
Cons
- Thunderbolt is not supported by USB-C.
- Inadequate native sound
2. Lenovo Legion 5 15
Features
- Powerful AMD Ryzen 7 5800H Processor
- 16GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB NVMe SSD storage
- FHD (1920 x 1080) screen
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 4GB Graphics
Review
The Lenovo Legion 5 15 is a capable 15.6-inch gaming laptop as well as used for CAD design applications that have priced well under $1,500.
That doesn’t mean it lacks power, however. Inside you’ll find an AMD Ryzen 5 processor that offers plenty of horsepower for your applications, as well as two graphics card options — both powered by NVIDIA graphics — which means you can play even the most demanding games without lag or screen tearing.
It has all of the ports and connections you need to plug in external devices like monitors or hard drives, while also offering up HDMI 2.0 out so you can connect to your 4K TV at home or on the go.
Lenovo legion 5 15 is a budget-friendly laptop for SketchUp and it is capable of tackling any 3D modeling tasks even the layer or rendering is in much demand.
Drawbacks
Besides its great performance, the drawbacks in its speaker system are due to its small drivers which make sound punchy and tights because of an absence of base.
Other laptops on our list his better battery performance but Lenovo 15 provides below-average battery performance of 3-4 hrs. as compared to Asus.
Pros
- Encouraging specifications with excellent strength and durability
- Fairly priced with a good trackpad and keyboard
- Superior CPU results and a bitter GPU
- Excellent upgrade options with improvement choices
- Outstanding video display screen performance
Cons
- Inadequate battery capacity
- Speaker system lack bass
- Possible problems using the included Realtek Wi-Fi microprocessor
3. Apple MacBook Air 13.3
Features
- 13.3-inch IPS LED display with true tone technology
- 10th generation Intel Core i3 processor
- Intel Iris Plus GPU with 8GB LPDDR4X RAM
- 256GB PCIe SSD with up-gradation option up to 2TB
Review
If you’re looking for a laptop that’s well-suited to 3D modeling and other graphics-intensive tasks, Apple’s MacBook Air is one of your best options.
Best of all, you can find MacBook Air models with 10-hour battery life. That’s more than long enough to get work done at a coffee shop during your lunch break without worrying about charging up before heading back to work.
If you are running software Maya, blender, and SketchUp, then apple MacBook air is surely a great pick for you.
Drawbacks
Besides its great performance, there are some minor flaws for Windows users. If you are a window user and shift toward apple MacBook then maybe you feel a slight designs issue in screen color visuals.
Apple updated most features in MacBook air 13 but still, its webcam is 720p due to its average video streaming.
Pros
- Stylish, foldable metal design
- Excellent Superior keypad, trackpad, and screen
- Latest 10th gen microprocessor
- Lower starting price Particularly for a MacBook
- Significantly improved output as a result of Apple’s latest M1 processor
Cons
- Display colors are a little subdued
- battery life is only adequate
- The video camera is still only 720p
4. ASUS TUF Dash 15 Ultra-Slim
Features
- 3050 RTX graphics card
- 7th Gen Intel Core i7-8565U Processor
- fastest IPS level panels at range 144Hz
- 8 GB DDR4 RAM and 1920 x 1080 screen with 15.2 inches wide
- 512 GB SSD for a storage upgrade up to 1TB
Review
Weighing in at just 4.5 pounds, ASUS TUF Dash 15 (2021) Ultra Slim Gaming Laptop is an ultra-slim laptop that offers a combination of powerful performance, stunning visuals, and long battery life.
Rest assured, Asus TUF 15 can handle any type of hard task to throw on it as far as SketchUp and any 3d applications. Its base is made of aluminum chassis with beautiful designs and is very cost-effective under 1000$.
Drawbacks
This high-performance laptop has low 8 GB RAM which needs up-gradation up to 16 GB for more reliable operations of a task.
Additionally, its membrane keyboard is not good for typing purposes because most users feel the keyboard is mushy.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Eye-catching design
- Slim and compact due to its Lightweight
- Excellent result from the Graphics processor and Quad-core
- The aluminum chassis is comfortable to hold
Cons
- Keyboards with soft membranes
- Preferably, 16GB RAM is required
5. Acer Predator Helios 300 PH315-54-760S
Features
- Graphics are available in Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 with 6GB of RAM
- 1920 x 1080 144Hz IPS display screen
- Intel Core i7-11800H processor
- 6GB DDR4 3200MHz memory
Review
This entry-level gaming laptop is an upgraded version of the previous generation Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming laptops. It comes with the latest 8th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics for a great price.
SketchUp requires a fast CPU to quickly render all the complex 3D designs making Acer Predator Helios 300 PH315-54-760S a great choice for gamers and artwork professionals.
Drawbacks
Acre predator design is outdated and needs serious improvement. Apart from that its battery is 59 watt-hour and provides very poor performance on video streaming.
60-70% battery is drained in a couple of hours with a bright display which is not a good sign and wastes a lot of time. Acre predator has builtin installed a lot of software that risks privacy and other software updates issues make it more annoying.
Pros
- Capable of running new games at 1080p
- The extensive quad-core performance of GPU
- Exceptionally vibrant display
- Gameplay quality is exceptional at this price tag
Cons
- Inadequate battery performance
- Excessive software updates
- Design is outdated and needs betterment
6. Dell G15 5510 Laptop Full HD
Features
- Intel Core i7-10870H Processor
- 16GB RAM
- 512GB SSD
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6GB
- 15.6 Inch Full HD Anti-Glare Display
- Up to 4 Hours Battery Life
Review
The Dell G7 15 Gaming is a lightweight and durable laptop that’s perfect for productivity and can handle games like CAD and SketchUp. The screen has excellent image quality, good color accuracy, and great viewing angles, making it ideal for sketching.
However, if you’re looking to play games like Fortnite or Overwatch on low-medium settings or play games such as Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) with high frame rates you’ll need to get a gaming laptop with more power.
The battery life is fair at five hours of continuous use but can be improved by using Dell Power Mode to save power.
Drawbacks
This powerful beast laptop has a little issue in connectivity in terms of limited ports with 3 USB ports and single USB-C ports.
Its chassis is slightly bigger than other laptops making it heavy. If you need a slim laptop then you might have to go for other options in marketplaces.
Pros
- Rigorous, quick keypad
- Bright and durable design
- Excellent for daily tasks
- Maintains the highest frame rate in all latest games
- Can run almost every sketching and designing software on high-ultra graphics configurations
Cons
- Lack Of common connectivity issues in ports
- The chassis is comparatively big and unwieldy
Review
A powerful laptop is one of the most important things you need when using a CAD program. There are countless CAD programs that you can use, but many users opt for SketchUp because it’s easy to learn and useful in creating models of buildings, rooms, and other objects in digital format.
Whether you plan on using SketchUp professionally or just want to improve your designs at home, OMEN 15 is a good laptop that will allow you to work more efficiently and save yourself time in creating something that looks great.
Since there are so many different laptops out there, OMEN 15 is the best laptop for SketchUp on today’s market in terms of the value of money.
Drawbacks
In terms of graphics, OMEN 15 needs improvement because it hardly hits 60fps frame rates because of its RTX 3060 model.
In comparison to other laptops on our list, due to the available features, its cost is above average from all other brands making this laptop an expensive choice.
Pros
- Sturdy construction and good looks
- Humongous RAM size and high-speed Processor
- Excellent 165Hz QHD screen with RGB backlighted support
- The excellent cooling system does not overheat
- 7-hour long-lasting battery life
Cons
- Expensive
- Some trade-offs on an RTX 3060 system
8. Microsoft Surface Pro 7 laptop
Features
- Intel Core i7-1065G7 processor
- Nvidia GeForce 930M GPU with 2GB storage
- 256 GB storage with 16 GB RAM
- Detachable 2 to 1 screen with a processor speed of 1.1 GHz
Review
The new Microsoft Surface Pro 12.3 with Intel Core i7-1065G7 processor and 16GB RAM is a strong laptop from the Microsoft brand for designing or modelling in SketchUp.
It is good for those people who are studying graphic design and are involved in any 3D modelling. Due to its lightweight and compatibility with heavy software, it is a budget-friendly choice.
Drawbacks
The major issue in Microsoft surface pro 7 is its outdated design issue and it is also the problem of the Microsoft brand for years due to its bezel thick screen.
Another flaw in Microsoft surface pro is that its keyboard is still sold separately and gets de- attached from the screen through bottom magnets which do not provide a window desktop laptop feel.
Pros
- Long-lasting battery life and Sharp display
- Quick Intel Ice Lake processor
- A well-executed kickstand
- Includes USB-C ports finally available
- Significantly enhanced performance
Cons
- The keyboard is available individually in the market
- Few design changes make significant issues
9. Dell Inspiron 13
Features
- 11th generation Core i7-H processor with 3.1 GHZ Speed
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- 8GB RAM
- 512 GB M.2 SSD NVMe PCIe with Intel Iris Xe Graphic card
- 1 USB 3.2
- 2 USB
- 4 Type-C Thunderbolt 4
- HDMI 1.4
Review
The 5310 is a solid performer when it comes to hardware, with more than enough power for most users. The display on this model is 1080p and not QHD+, but that’s more than adequate for sketching 3D models. This laptop case is made of aluminium which provides stability to the body parts but with a limited amount of pressure to withstand.
But if you’re looking for one of the best laptops out there to use specifically with SketchUp software, then look no further. The Dell Inspiron 13 5310 delivers in spades.
Drawbacks
There are some downsides to consider as well, like only having a single USB-C port (and no SD card slot).
Pros
- Easy to carry during travelling
- Well-thought-out design
- A double heat transfer mechanism for cooling
- Control and biometric reader buttons
Cons
- Single USB-C port
10.Razer Blade 15 Base
Features
- Core i7-10750H Processor
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 graphic card
- 16GB RAM with 512 GB SSD for storage
- Chroma RGB keyboard with single-zone
- 15-Inch FHD 144Hz or 4K OLED
Review
The first thing that we have to mention about Razer’s newest Blade laptop is that it’s created with CAD and 3D modelling in mind.
This can be found right away if you look at some of its key features, like an OLED display (ideal for colour accuracy and detail when working with CAD software) and a CNC aluminium chassis (perfect for portability).
Not only that, but it also comes equipped with fast-charge capability, so you don’t have to wait around too long to give your device a boost.
And did we mention there are built-in high-quality speakers? Both on top of its deck, as well as on either side of its keyboard.
Drawbacks
The only downside of this beast laptop is that it is the most expensive laptop In our list of best laptops for SketchUp.
Pros
- Plenty of ports available
- Excellent design
- Powerful processor
- Top-notch speakers’ system
Cons
- Highly Expensive
11. Lenovo Legion Y540-15 Laptop
Features
- Core i7-9750H Processor
- GTX1660Ti graphics card of Nvidia
- 512 GB SSD storage with 16 GB RAM
- 15.6-inch display screen
Review
The Lenovo Legion Y540-15 is a 15.6-inch gaming laptop with very good hardware, specifically designed for CAD and Sketchup applications.
It doesn’t come cheap but provides more than enough power to justify its cost. This makes it an excellent choice for those who plan to use their laptop for sketching projects and architectural design tasks.
Drawbacks
This laptop comes with 3 cell 57 Wh battery which hardly provides 3-4 hours usage in normal operating mode and users have serious concerns about this laptop battery experience.
Pros
- Full HD IPS LCD
- Consistent results during heavy work
- Thin frame
- Effective, cutting-edge heat transfer design
- Sufficient ports and connectivity options
Cons
- Poor battery life
12. Dell G7 17
Features
- 8th gen Intel Core i7-8750H processor
- NVIDIA Ge Force GTX 1650 Graphics supports
- 512 GB SSD with 16 GB RAM
- Bright display up to 17 inch
- RGB keyboard with backlit support
Review
The Dell G7 15 Gaming laptop is a monster in terms of productivity and power. This laptop can tackle even the most demanding tasks without slowing down. The new 9th Gen Intel Core i9 laptops are now offering even more cores for a vast number of applications and processes.
If you are a big fan of CAD software like AutoCAD, Solid Works, Revit, etc… you can always rely on these machines for professional work that’s done by designers, engineers, and architects worldwide.
Drawbacks
Most powerful laptops have a dual fan system, but they did not generate a lot of noise.
Dell G7 15 creates a lot of noise when it is performing heavy operations and rendering making it a little annoying. Besides this, it has a heavyweight 3140g making it the heaviest laptop on our list.
Pros
- Sharper, clearer, and shinier display
- Durable and mechanically sound
- A great Graphics card that can handle massive operations easily
- A powerful CPU satisfy the requirements of SketchUp professionals
- Keypad Personalization
Cons
- When heating up, it makes a lot of noise.
- Heavy
Buying Guide
If you’re looking to buy a laptop, there are some things to know before buying it. Whether you want one that’s specifically designed to work with AutoCAD or Sketchup, or whether you’re just looking for one of the best laptops in general, here are five things to know before buying a laptop.
Processor
You’ll probably want to opt for an Intel i5 processor, which is more than enough power for design software like AutoCAD and SketchUp.
You can’t go wrong with either a MacBook Pro or any of HP’s offerings—both of which should have at least an i5 processor.
Operating System
Before purchasing a laptop, you should consider which operating system will best suit your needs. Windows and Mac laptops are available; however, if you use programs like AutoCAD or SketchUp, you may need to invest in one of their respective operating systems.
Be sure to consider what type of programs you’ll be using regularly before deciding on an operating system.
For instance, if none of your software requires Microsoft Word, then there is no reason to purchase a computer with that program installed already—just be sure that there are additional free software solutions available for whatever platform(s) you choose.
Screen Size
The screen size you need will be determined by what programs you want to use it with. If you’re designing houses in AutoCAD, you’ll need a large screen size of 17 inches or more, so that all your files are visible at once. However, if you just plan on editing designs in SketchUp, there’s no need for such an expansive display.
Battery Life
Battery life is particularly important when you’re planning on taking your laptop on the go. While bigger isn’t always better, it can also be helpful to have more ports and connections so that you don’t have to constantly unplug and reconnect devices and accessories.
Also, keep in mind that depending on your computer use, battery life can range drastically—it may take quite a bit of trial and error before you find one that offers a perfect combination of features at an affordable price.
RAM
There are two major types of RAM, DDR, and SDRAM. If you’re running AutoCAD, get DDR. If you’re running SketchUp (or any application that uses OpenGL), get SDRAM.
There is one exception: laptops don’t have room for more than one type of RAM, so make sure your laptop comes with what you need before buying it.
Cost
Of course, the cost is always an important factor in purchasing hardware. If you need a basic laptop that will get by with just AutoCAD, then you’ll probably be able to get one for under $400.
However, if you’re going to use your laptop with SketchUp, then you should prepare yourself for a higher price tag. But don’t fret: Even high-end laptops shouldn’t set you back more than about $1,500.
FAQs
Can you run SketchUp on a laptop?
From design to modelling, it’s important that your computer can handle what you throw at it. When you’re designing buildings or models, you need a powerful processor and at least 4GB of RAM. You’ll also want something light with plenty of storage space, so you don’t have to stop work mid-stream and save your work. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a laptop for sketching.
Is MacBook good for AutoCAD and SketchUp?
The short answer is yes. Apple laptops are known to be popular among AutoCAD and SketchUp users, and in some cases, they’re favoured over Windows alternatives. But what makes them a good fit? Let’s look at the six things mentioned above you should know before buying one.
What kind of graphics card do I need for SketchUp?
If you’re using SketchUp, an easy-to-use 3D modelling program, then a mid-range graphics card is all you need. You don’t need anything fancy, but you will want something that can handle 3D images without stuttering or lagging too much. One of the most important features is VRAM—which stands for Video Random Access Memory and refers to your laptop’s onboard memory.
Conclusion
If you want to use SketchUp for work, it is best to choose a system with at least an Intel Core i7 processor, as well as 16GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage.
We recommend using an NVIDIA GeForce GT graphics card with your system to facilitate rendering performance when using SketchUp.
Additionally, we strongly advise using a laptop made by one of three brands: MSI, MacBook, and Lenovo (usually in conjunction with NVIDIA) as they have specific engineering aimed towards 3D modelling that many other companies don’t have access to.
The Best Budget-Friendly Pick: If you’re looking for an affordable laptop to use with your SketchUp software, we recommend that you get MSI GF65 Laptop.
It will give you everything you need at a very low price and won’t force you to cut any corners. It has all the hardware in place—and even comes preloaded with Windows 10 so it will be ready to go as soon as it arrives.
