This post was most recently updated on June 20th, 2023
14 Best Laptops For Art Students in 2023 – Reviewed
A good laptop can redefine how you study art. Typically, art students use pen, paper, and paint as their medium for painting.
But, with the advancement of technology, getting the best laptop for art students has become essential. It is because a laptop is where you can see your art ideas materialize.
Read Also:Best Laptops For After Effects
As an aspiring artist and an art student, you may wonder which laptop works best for you. As you can find a hundred options for different laptops, it can be challenging to find the one that fits the requirements.
To make it easy for you, I have put together a list having the best laptop for art students.
Reviews of the Best Cheap laptop for artists in 2023
Each and every laptop in my list comes with the minimum specifications that are essential for an artist. Remember, a laptop is an investment, that’s why it’s not wise to get one without doing initial research.
1.Microsoft Surface Go 2
Product Specifications
- CPU: Intel Pentium Gold Processor 4425Y 8th Gen Intel Core m3
- RAM: 8GB Memory
- Storage: 128GB eMMC
- Display Screen: 10.5″ Touchscreen
- GPU: Intel HD Graphics 615
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is my first choice of the best laptop for art students. It is available at a very budget-friendly price and has all the required specifications.
The laptop comes with an 8th gen Intel Pentium Gold m3 processor with a 2 in 1 convertible design. Also, it includes three different modes that you can use for work.
All of the three modes, the studio mode is the perfect model for art students. Besides, it has graphical support of Intel HD Graphics 615 card. Though it’s not a dedicated graphics card, the performance of the card is good enough.
The laptop features 8GB RAM along with a 128GB SSD storage space. Both of these combined together work to deliver flawless performance. The battery time of 10 hours of continuous use is perfect for you if you are an art student.
You can easily take the laptop along with you in all your classes without worrying about the battery running out.
Moreover, it features a 10.5″ Pixel Sense Display screen. It gives you a striking display with a focus on even the tiniest pixel for better visual quality. Overall, it is the best laptop for art students that gives you the best value for money.
2.ASUS ZenBook 14
Product Specifications
- CPU: 8th-Gen Intel Core i7-8565U Processor
- RAM: 16GB LPDDR3
- Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD
- Display Screen: 14″ FHD Nano-Edge Bezel
- GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Keyboard: Backlit
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours
The ASUS ZenBook 14 is a fantastic compact and super-thin notebook laptop. It surely is the best laptop for art students having the maximum portability.
Featuring a 14-inch display screen for a comfortable viewing experience. Along with an infrared camera that works with a facial recognition feature.
The HD screen with narrow bezels is the winning feature of the laptop. Additionally, it makes the screen more attractive. Moreover, it has the perfect screen to brightness ratio to ensure that you view striking visuals and colors.
An Intel Core i7-8565U processor powers it. Along with having the support of Intel UHD Graphics 620 graphics support for the 4k display of the laptop.
While it includes 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD storage space helps you enjoy a smooth and flawless performance. You can work efficiently multitask on this laptop without facing any speed-related problem.
Also, the 8 hours of battery backup is pretty decent if you are an art student. All it needs is just about half an hour of charging, and you are good to go.
3.HP ENVY 13
Product Specifications
- CPU: Intel Core i7-8565U
- RAM: 16GB SDRAM
- Storage: 512GB SSD,
- Display Screen: 13.99 Inches 4K Touchscreen
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce MX250 Graphics
- Battery Life: Up to 9 hours
An HD display is the prerequisite for getting a laptop for art students. In this way, the HP ENVY 13 is just the best laptop for art students.
Featuring an impeccable 4K 13-inch screen display having a screen resolution of 3680 x 2160p. Also, the thin bezels of the screen make it look more attractive.
You get to have a webcam along with a fingerprint sensor. It ensures that the data is secure on your laptop. This is a pretty helpful feature that comes in handy for art students.
It is run on a powerful Intel Core i7-8565U processor to give you impeccable performance.
The support of the NVIDIA GeForce MX250 Graphics card enhances the performance of the 4K display screen. You can even use this laptop for playing high-end games.
Besides, the 16GB RAM combined with a 512GD SSD card gives this laptop capability to multitask. It is just the best laptop for art students having quick bootup.
You can efficiently run and work on any kind of heavy-duty application on this laptop. Last but not least, the laptop has 9 hours of battery runtime.
4.LG gram Thin and Light Laptop
Product Specifications
- CPU: Intel 8th Gen Core i7
- RAM: 16GB RAM
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display Screen: 17″ 2560 x 1600p IPS Display
- GPU: Intel HD Graphics 610
- Keyboard: backlit
- Battery Life: Up to 19.5 hours
LG has manufactured one of the most reliable laptops, and the LG gram is no different. It is just the best laptop for art students with a very thin and lightweight body easy for you to carry.
Though this laptop has a big screen of about 17 inches, still the slim body makes it easy for you to take it along.
The IPS display has a screen resolution of 2560 x 1600p to give you an excellent viewing experience. At the same time, the narrow bezels give it a classy outlook, just like any premium laptop.
It runs on an Intel 8th Gen Core i7 processor to provide you with an uninterruptible and flawless performance. In comparison, the Intel UDH 620 graphics allows you to play some entry-level games as well.
Also, it includes 16GB RAM and a 512 GB SSD card. These specifications are enough to run heavy-duty software and applications without any problem.
Moreover, it has a fair variety of ports for connectivity. The 19.5 hours of battery backup of this best laptop for art students is just fantastic.
5.Acer Spin 3 Convertible Laptop
Product Specifications
- CPU: 8th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G4
- RAM: 16GB DDR4
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
- Display Screen: 14″ Full HD IPS Touch display
- GPU: integrated UHD 620 graphics
- Keyboard: Backlit
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
In case you are searching for the best laptop for art students that is easy to carry and has a fantastic battery runtime, then look no further.
The Acer Spin 3 Convertible Laptop is just what you need to get. It has a very thin and weightless body with a long battery backup of 12 hours.
It features a 14-inch screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080p to enable you to work with clarity and focus on tiny details.
Also, it includes a stylus pen that you can use to draw or make notes on the touchscreen display. It has a powerful 8th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G4 processor to ensure you have a flawless working performance.
It supports integrated UHD 620 graphics that make it the perfect choice of the best laptop for art students. The 16GB RAM and the 512 GB SSD storage are just what you need for efficient and flawless performance.
6.Microsoft Surface Pro
Product Specifications
- CPU: 7th generation Intel Core i5 Processor
- RAM: 8GB Memory
- Storage: 256GB
- Display Screen: 12.3” PixelSense Touchscreen 2736 x 1824p
- GPU: Intel HD Graphics 620
- Battery Life: Up to 13.5 hours
Microsoft has manufactured the most impressive laptops to date. The Microsoft Surface Pro also comes in the same category as laptops.
It indeed is the best laptop for art students. It features a 12.3 inches PixelSense Touchscreen display with a screen resolution of 2736 x 1824p. It comes with a 7th gen Intel Core i5 processor to give you an impeccable performance.
The laptop comes with 8GB RAM and 256 GB SSD storage, which is not too impressive. But, for an art student, these specifications are more than enough.
Moreover, it has USB 3.0 connectivity, which makes it compatible with external connectivity with various devices. The battery runtime is the best thing about this laptop. You can use this laptop continuously for 13 hours straight.
7.HP – Spectre x360 2-in-1
Product Specifications
- CPU: Intel Core i7-7500U
- RAM: 8GB Memory
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display Screen: 13.3″ Touchscreen display
- GPU: Intel HD Graphics 520
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
The HP – Spectre x360 is a great mid-range laptop with the proper specifications that makes it the best laptop for art students.
It runs on an Intel Core i7-7500U processor to give you a powerful and efficient performance every time. While the Intel HD graphics 520 graphics card is more than enough for art students.
Moreover, it has 8GB RAM combined with a storage space of 256 GB. It may not seem too extraordinary at first glance, but it is sufficient for artwork.
The best thing about this laptop is its convertible design. Using the 360-degree hinge, you can easily convert the laptop into tablet mode.
It features a 13.3″ FHD Touch-Screen with a pretty decent resolution to give you a brilliant display. Besides, the 12 hours of battery backup will be beneficial for you, especially if you are a student.
All things considered, the HP – Spectre x360 is surely the best laptop for art students.
8.Lenovo Flex 5
Product Specifications
- CPU: Intel Core i5-8250U
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 256GB PCIe SSD
- Display Screen: 15.6″ Full HD IPS touchscreen display
- GPU: Intel HD Graphics 620
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
The Lenovo Flex 5 is a fantastic convertible 2 in 1 laptop made specifically to fulfill all the requirements of an art student. Also, it has an excellent build quality with a fantastic battery runtime.
The laptop features a 15.6-inch IPS HD screen with a striking screen display. You can easily view even the slightest minute details. At the same time, the chic outlook is perfect to match the persona of artists.
It is powered by an Intel Core i5-8250U processor with an Intel HD Graphics 620 graphics card. The processor has enough juice to help you run even the heaviest applications and art software without any speed lag.
Besides, the 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD memory are more than enough for art students to practice painting and drawing.
Talking about its battery time, we can conclude that it is the best laptop for art students. As it efficiently runs continuously on a single charge for 10 hours straight.
You can easily do your work on it for the whole day without worrying about the battery running out.
9.Microsoft Surface Laptop Go
Product Specifications
- CPU: 10th Gen Intel Core i5 1035G1
- RAM: 8GB Memory
- Storage: 256GB eMMC
- Display Screen: 12.4″ PixelSense touchscreen display
- GPU: Intel UHD Graphics
- Battery Life: Up to 13 hours
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go is just the best laptop for art students on a limited budget. It has a great feel to it, having a very sleek chassis that gives you the same feeling like a premium laptop.
Though, the laptop doesn’t have an HD screen with the most unique and striking display. It enables you to view images with clarity and in the best quality.
The laptop doesn’t have a foldable design that is very common in convertible laptops. In fact, it works like a notebook with a fantastic responsive touch screen. All you need is a stylus and a digital pen to use this laptop as your canvas.
Moreover, the 8GB RAM combined with a powerful 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor 1035G1. Together these can handle any art illustration applications promptly and efficiently.
The 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage are just perfect for an art student. Microsoft is a pioneer in manufacturing the best laptops in the market. The same we can say about the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go.
10.Lenovo Ideapad L340
Product Specifications
- CPU: Intel Core i5-9300H Processor
- RAM: 8GB DDR4 Memory
- Storage: 512GB Nvme SSD
- Display Screen: 15.6 Inch FHD 1920 X 1080p IPS Display
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
- Battery Life: Up to 4 hours
Lenovo Ideapad L340 is yet another great gaming laptop that is also recommended for the best laptop for art students. It has all the most impressive specifications that make it a durable laptop for art students.
It features a powerful Intel Core i5-9300H Processor with the support of an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card.
Combining an 8GB DDR4 Memory and 512GB Nvme SSD storage space enables you to multitask, run different art programs, and give the laptop speedy bootup.
You won’t be disappointed by the graphical performance of the NVIDIA GeForce Graphics. It lets you view even the tiniest detail with clarity.
It comes in a beautiful and sleek chassis that art students will find very appealing. Along with a 15.6-inch FHD IPS display with a screen resolution of 1920 X 1080p.
11.Lenovo Thinkpad E590
Product Specifications
- CPU: Intel Quad Core i5-8265U
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 Memory
- Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD
- Display Screen: 15.6″ HD Anti-Glare display
- GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Battery Life: Up to 12.5 hours
The next best laptop for art students on our list is Lenovo Thinkpad E590. It comes equipped with the most impressive specifications suitable for an art student.
It features a 9th gen Intel Quad Core i5-8265U processor. To ensure fast bootup and the capacity to run heavy-duty art illustration software and applications.
Simultaneously, the 16GB DDR4 Memory helps you work on your laptop without any problems due to lags.
The 15.6″ HD Anti-Glare display is the winning feature of this laptop. As it allows you to view images in the most exceptional color quality.
Plus, the anti-glare display will enable you to use the laptop without putting any strain on your eyes, even in the brightest settings.
12.Apple MacBook Air
Product Specifications
- CPU: 10th gen Intel Core i3 processor
- RAM: 8GB Memory
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display Screen: 13-inch Retina Display
- GPU: Intel Iris Plus Graphics
- Backlit Magic Keyboard
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
The Apple MacBook Air is comparatively the most reasonably priced laptop in the Apple laptop series. It is just the best laptop for art students that fits all the requirements.
It features a fantastic 13-inch Retina Display screen that allows you to view images in the best quality. Plus, the compact and lightweight body of the laptop makes it great to carry it along on the go.
13.Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch
Product Specifications
- CPU: 9th gen 6-Core Intel Core i7 Processor
- RAM: 16GB Memory
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display Screen: 16-inch Retina Display True Tone technology
- GPU: AMD Radeon Pro 5300M
- Battery Life: Up to 11 hours
The Apple MacBook Pro is just the laptop for you. Suppose you don’t mind investing a buck in getting the best laptop for art students.
It is the perfect device explicitly made to suit the requirements of aspiring and professional artists. It comes with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage to give you the most flawless and speedy performance.
Moreover, it features 16-inch Retina Display with True Tone technology to make your artwork stand out.
It allows you to view images in the most striking colors with maximum clarity. Besides, it has a very compact and easy to carry design that students will love.
14.ASUS ZenBook Pro
Product Specifications
- CPU: Intel Core i7-9750H
- RAM: 16GB Memory
- Storage: 1TB PCIe SSD
- Display Screen: 15.6” 4K UHD NanoEdge Bezel Touch Display
- GPU: GeForce RTX 2060
- Battery Life: Up to 6 hours
The ASUS ZenBook Pro is just the best laptop for art students. Though it has a high price in comparison, it is worth the investment. It has all the specifications that you need as an artist.
First of all, it features an excellent 15.6″ 4K UHD NanoEdge Bezel Touch Display along with a 14 inches trackpad. The additional screen gives you a fantastic option to explore your creative side.
It comes with an Asus Stylus pen to help you draw on the laptop screen directly the same as you on a canvas. Moreover, it comes with an Intel Core i7-9750H processor with a GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card.
In combination, it features a 16GB Memory and a 1TB PCIe SSD storage space. This laptop has enough juice to run even the heaviest art illustrations like a breeze. It has a pretty decent battery runtime of 6 hours.
As an art student, this is enough. In conclusion, I can say if you want to explore your creative side. The ASUS ZenBook Pro is just the best laptop for art students that you can get your hands on.
Buying guide – best laptop for art students
To ensure that you end up getting the best laptop for art students. You should take some factors into account when making your decision. I have listed down below all the crucial points that you need to look out for.
Processor
A good laptop should have a powerful processor that gives it the ability to multitask. Without facing any issues regarding speed lags. The best option for you is to get a laptop that has an Intel i5 processor or even more.
Display
Arts students need to get a laptop that has a fantastic display. It is because their work mainly involves working on pictures and paintings. Therefore, it is essential to get a laptop with a comfortable display size with wide viewing angles.
The contrast and brightness of the laptop also play a crucial part in viewing the images. If you want great results, I recommend you go for an HD screen display.
Battery backup
Since students are always on the go, taking classes one after another. There may be many times between classes where they don’t have the time to charge their laptop.
It is why a laptop with a long battery backup is a wise choice for students. At a minimum, the laptop you get should have at least 6 hours of battery backup.
Graphical performance
A good graphics card plays a very integral part in defining how you view and work on images. It is the reason why you need to check if the graphics card is good enough.
Portability
Most students carry their laptops along with them as they go around the campus taking classes. Therefore, you need to get a laptop that is lightweight and easy to carry.
Also, art students have other art supplies that they need to have with them all the time. Getting a compact laptop is an excellent option for art students.
FAQ’s
How much RAM do you need for digital art?
When looking for the best laptop for art students, your laptop should have RAM in the range of a minimum of 8GB and a maximum of 16GB.
Can you draw with a touch screen laptop?
Drawing on a touch screen laptop is very easy. It all depends if you have a compatible stylus that works well with your laptop. Remember, not every stylus works along with your laptop.
Do you need a graphics card for digital art?
If your work revolves around 2D painting, then you don’t need to have a dedicated graphics card. Any integrated graphics card that comes with your laptop is good enough.
Conclusion
Now that you have all the information about laptops for artists. You won’t have any problem choosing the best laptop for art students.
Any laptop in my list is perfectly suitable for aspiring artists who want an impeccable device for creating digital art.
Recommendation
If you don’t mind investing in the best laptop for art students. Then the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch is the top choice of a premium laptop.
If you have budget limitations, then the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go is an outstanding laptop perfect for an art student.
