Laptops for photo editing need to be powerful and have good displays. Photoshop is a demanding program that requires specific features to run well. The right laptop will make your work faster and more enjoyable.
We need to look at several key factors when picking a laptop for Photoshop. The processor (CPU) and memory (RAM) determine how fast the laptop can handle complex tasks. The display quality affects how accurately you see colors in your images. Storage space is also important since photo files can be large.
Graphics cards help speed up certain Photoshop functions. Look for at least 16GB of RAM and a recent Intel i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor. A color-accurate display with at least 100% sRGB coverage will show your photos correctly. We tested fifteen laptops with Photoshop to find which ones offer the best performance and value for photo editors.
Best Laptops for Photoshop
We picked these top laptops for running Photoshop smoothly. Each one has enough power to handle photo editing tasks without slowing down. Our list includes options for different budgets while still meeting the needs of photographers and designers.
HP Pavilion Touchscreen Laptop
This mid-range HP laptop offers decent performance for basic Photoshop tasks but falls short for professional photo editing due to its low-resolution display.
Pros
- Touch screen makes some editing tasks easier
- 16GB RAM handles multiple applications well
- 1TB SSD provides fast loading and plenty of storage
Cons
- Low HD resolution (1366 x 768) limits photo editing precision
- Intel Core i3 processor may struggle with complex edits
- Screen’s 45% NTSC color range isn’t ideal for accurate color work
We tested this HP Pavilion for Photoshop work and found it handles basic edits just fine. The 16GB RAM helps when working with multiple layers. The laptop doesn’t slow down when switching between Photoshop and other programs.
The touchscreen is a nice bonus for some editing tasks. We could zoom and pan photos more naturally. But the low screen resolution is a big problem for serious photo work. Text and images look fuzzy compared to Full HD or 4K displays. Colors also lack depth due to the limited color range.
Battery life is good at around 8-9 hours with normal use. The laptop stays cool during editing sessions. For casual photo tweaks, this works fine. But if you need to do detailed retouching or color-critical work, you should look at models with better screens. The i3 processor also struggles when applying complex filters to large images.
HP Premium 17.3″ Touchscreen Laptop
This HP laptop offers enough power for basic Photoshop tasks with its large touchscreen and ample storage, though its display resolution may limit detailed editing work.
Pros
- Large 17.3″ touchscreen makes photo editing more hands-on
- Massive 32GB RAM handles multiple Photoshop tasks smoothly
- Combined 1TB SSD + 128GB eMMC provides plenty of storage for large files
Cons
- HD+ resolution (1600 x 900) isn’t ideal for detailed photo editing
- Intel Core i3 processor may struggle with complex filters
- Bulky size makes it less portable than smaller options
We tested this HP laptop with several Photoshop projects and found it works well for basic editing tasks. The 32GB RAM really shines when working with multiple layers. We could keep several projects open without any slowdown.
The touchscreen adds a nice way to interact with photos directly. It’s responsive and makes certain editing tasks feel more natural. The large 17.3″ screen gives plenty of workspace, though we wish the resolution was higher for sharper image details.
Storage is a strong point with this laptop. The 1TB SSD loads Photoshop quickly and saves large files fast. Battery life lasted about 5 hours during our editing sessions, which is decent for a large laptop. For beginners or casual Photoshop users on a budget, this HP offers good value despite its display limitations.
HP Pavilion Photoshop Laptop
This HP Pavilion offers enough power for basic Photoshop work at an affordable price point.
Pros
- 32GB RAM keeps Photoshop running smoothly
- Includes bonus 512GB external SSD
- Lightweight design at just 3.52 pounds
Cons
- Intel Core i3 processor struggles with complex edits
- Integrated graphics limit advanced features
- Screen colors aren’t calibrated for professional work
We tested this HP Pavilion with Photoshop for a week. The 32GB RAM really shines when working with multiple layers. No lag when switching between files or making basic edits. The FHD screen is bright enough for indoor use, though it lacks the color accuracy pro photographers need.
Battery life held steady at about 9 hours with light Photoshop work. This beats many laptops in this price range. The keyboard feels nice with good key travel. We like the full number pad for quick input of precise values in Photoshop.
Storage options impressed us. The built-in 512GB SSD loads files quickly. The bonus external 512GB SSD makes a perfect backup drive for your photo library. Ports are plentiful with USB-C, two USB-A ports, and HDMI for connecting to external monitors. The touchpad sometimes acts finicky when making precise selections in Photoshop – you’ll want to add a mouse.
Acer Aspire 3 Slim Laptop
The Acer Aspire 3 is a solid budget laptop that offers good performance for basic Photoshop work without emptying your wallet.
Pros
- Fast Ryzen 3 processor handles basic photo editing tasks well
- Crisp 15.6″ Full HD IPS display shows colors accurately
- Lightweight design makes it easy to carry around
Cons
- 128GB storage fills up quickly with Photoshop files
- No backlit keyboard for working in dim lighting
- 8GB RAM may limit performance with larger files
We tested this Acer Aspire 3 with Photoshop for several days. The AMD Ryzen 3 7320U processor was quick enough for basic editing tasks. Simple retouching, layer work, and filter effects ran smoothly. The laptop never felt hot even during longer editing sessions.
The display is a highlight for photo editors. Its Full HD IPS panel shows colors well and has good viewing angles. We could see details in both shadows and highlights of our photos. The thin bezels give you more screen space to work with.
Battery life lasted about 8-9 hours with mixed use, but drops to about 5 hours with Photoshop. This isn’t bad for a budget laptop. The 128GB storage is the biggest drawback – we filled it quickly with just a few dozen RAW files and had to use external storage.
The build feels solid despite the plastic body. At under 4 pounds, it’s light enough to carry in a bag all day. The port selection is good with USB-C, two USB-A ports, and HDMI. Wi-Fi 6 gave us fast connections for uploading finished work.
For beginners or students learning Photoshop, this laptop offers good value. More serious editors will want to upgrade the storage or look at models with more RAM and a better processor.
Lenovo V15 Ryzen 5 Laptop
The Lenovo V15 is a solid mid-range laptop that handles Photoshop tasks well for its price point.
Pros
- Fast performance with 16GB RAM and Ryzen 5 processor
- Plenty of ports including HDMI and RJ45
- Numeric keypad makes editing work more efficient
Cons
- Display colors need calibration for accurate photo editing
- No backlit keyboard
- Average build quality compared to higher-end options
We tested this Lenovo V15 with several Photoshop projects and were pleased with its speed. The Ryzen 5 5500U processor with six cores handled layer work and basic filters without lag. Opening and saving large files was quick thanks to the 512GB SSD.
The 15.6-inch FHD screen is bright enough for indoor use, but we found the colors needed some adjustment for photo editing. This isn’t uncommon at this price range, but it’s something to consider if you need perfect color accuracy right away.
Battery life lasted about 6 hours during our photo editing sessions. The laptop stays cool even when running Photoshop for extended periods. We liked the full-sized keyboard with number pad for entering precise values in Photoshop. Connection options are good with USB-C, two regular USB ports, HDMI, and an Ethernet port.
At 3.75 pounds, it’s light enough to carry to photo shoots. Windows 11 Pro is a nice bonus for those who need its extra features. For beginners and hobbyists using Photoshop, this laptop offers good value. More serious pros might want something with a better screen, but for the price, it’s hard to beat this combination of RAM and processing power.
HP 14″ Ultralight Laptop
This budget HP laptop is too underpowered for Photoshop despite its portability and long battery life.
Pros
- Very lightweight (3.24 lbs) for carrying between classes
- Good battery life lasting up to 9 hours
- Affordable price point for students
Cons
- Intel Celeron processor too weak for Photoshop
- Low resolution display (1366 x 768)
- Limited 64GB internal storage
We tested this HP 14″ laptop with Photoshop and found it struggles with even basic photo editing tasks. The Intel Celeron N4120 processor simply lacks the power needed to run Photoshop smoothly. When we tried to work with large files or use complex tools, the laptop slowed down a lot.
The display is another big issue for photo editing. Its 1366 x 768 resolution makes it hard to see fine details in your images. Colors also appeared less vivid than what we’d want for serious photo work. The screen is fine for web browsing and watching videos, but not for creative work.
Storage is very limited with only 64GB of internal eMMC. We filled this up quickly after installing just a few apps. The included 128GB SD card helps, but it’s slower than proper SSD storage. For students who need a basic laptop for writing papers and browsing the web, this might work. For anyone wanting to use Photoshop, we suggest looking at laptops with at least an Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB RAM, and a higher quality display.
HP 14″ Pink Laptop
This budget-friendly HP laptop works for basic Photoshop tasks but lacks the power for professional editing.
Pros
- 16GB RAM helps with multitasking
- Compact and lightweight design
- Includes 1-year Microsoft 365 subscription
Cons
- Intel Celeron processor struggles with complex edits
- Low-resolution display (1366 x 768)
- Limited 64GB storage fills quickly with Photoshop files
We tested this pink HP laptop with Photoshop and found it offers mixed results. The 16GB RAM upgrade helps when working with small files, but the Intel Celeron N4120 processor shows its limits quickly. Simple photo adjustments work fine, but the laptop slows down with multiple layers or complex effects.
The 14-inch screen is bright enough for indoor use. However, the low HD resolution makes it hard to see fine details in your images. Colors appear washed out with only 45% NTSC coverage. This makes color-accurate work almost impossible without an external monitor.
Storage is another issue we noticed. The 64GB eMMC fills up fast once you install Photoshop and save a few projects. You’ll need an external drive for any serious work. Battery life is decent for lightweight tasks, lasting about 5-6 hours of normal use. The pink color looks nice and the build quality feels solid despite the plastic construction. For basic photo edits or learning Photoshop basics, this laptop works, but serious designers should look at more powerful options.
HP Stream 14″ BrightView Laptop
This budget-friendly HP laptop offers decent value for basic Photoshop tasks but lacks the power for professional editing work.
Pros
- Lightweight at only 3.24 pounds
- Includes bonus docking station with extra storage
- Comes with 1-year Office 365 subscription
Cons
- Weak processor for heavy Photoshop use
- Low screen resolution (1366 x 768)
- Limited base storage capacity
We tested this HP Stream laptop with Photoshop, and it handles simple edits well enough. The Intel Celeron N4120 processor isn’t built for heavy photo editing, but it can manage basic tasks if you’re patient. Loading and saving large files takes time.
The 16GB of RAM is a nice upgrade from the typical 4GB or 8GB in this price range. We noticed it helped when working with multiple small image files at once. The 288GB total storage (128GB internal plus 160GB from the docking station) gives you room for your photos, but you’ll likely need external storage for large photo libraries.
The display is a letdown for photo editing. The 14-inch HD screen lacks the color accuracy and resolution needed for serious Photoshop work. Details appeared fuzzy when working with high-resolution images. We appreciate the portability, though – it’s easy to carry between home and school. The battery lasted about 5 hours during our regular use, which included some light editing tasks.
HP 255 G10 Photoshop Laptop
This HP laptop offers good Photoshop performance at a reasonable price with its Ryzen 3 processor and ample RAM.
Pros
- Fast 16GB RAM handles Photoshop layers smoothly
- Large 1TB SSD stores many photo projects
- Crisp 15.6″ Full HD display shows colors clearly
Cons
- Integrated graphics limits some advanced effects
- Thicker than premium photo editing laptops
- Battery drains quickly during intensive editing
We tested this HP 255 G10 laptop with several Photoshop projects and came away impressed by its value. The Ryzen 3 7330U processor handled basic photo editing tasks without lag. Opening and working with multiple large files was smooth thanks to the 16GB RAM.
The 15.6-inch Full HD screen displays colors well for photo work. We could see fine details in our images without straining our eyes. The matte finish helps reduce glare when working near windows. This isn’t a top-end color-accurate display, but it works well for most Photoshop tasks.
Storage space is excellent with the 1TB SSD. We loaded hundreds of RAW photo files without filling up the drive. The laptop boots quickly and Photoshop launches in seconds. For photographers on a budget, this HP offers a good balance of performance and price. The Windows 11 Pro system runs smoothly and lets you connect external devices through USB-C and HDMI ports.
HP Pavilion 15.6″ Touchscreen Laptop
This HP Pavilion offers excellent value for Photoshop users with its powerful specs and touchscreen capability.
Pros
- Impressive 40GB RAM handles large Photoshop files easily
- 1TB total storage (internal + external) gives plenty of space for projects
- Touchscreen makes photo editing more intuitive
Cons
- Screen resolution (1366 x 768) is below ideal for serious photo editing
- Intel UHD Graphics lacks dedicated GPU power for complex effects
- Battery life may drop significantly during intensive Photoshop sessions
We tested this HP Pavilion laptop with several Photoshop projects and were surprised by its performance. The 40GB of RAM is the standout feature here. Opening and working with multiple high-resolution images was smooth without the lag we often see in more basic systems.
The touchscreen display adds a nice dimension to photo editing. We found it much easier to make precise selections and adjustments directly on the screen rather than relying solely on a trackpad. The Intel Core i3 processor isn’t the fastest option available, but it handled our basic to moderate Photoshop tasks well enough.
Storage won’t be an issue with this setup. The 512GB internal SSD keeps the system running quickly, while the included external 512GB SSD provides extra space for your growing collection of photos and projects. We appreciate that HP included Microsoft Office for 12 months, adding extra value to this reasonably priced package.
The biggest drawback is the display resolution. For photo editing, we prefer at least Full HD (1920 x 1080), so the 1366 x 768 screen feels limiting for color-critical work. If you’re a casual Photoshop user, this won’t be a deal-breaker, but professionals might want to look elsewhere or connect to an external monitor.
Buying Guide
Choosing a laptop for Photoshop means looking at key features that help the program run well. We’ve put together this simple guide to help you pick the right one.
Processor (CPU)
The CPU is the brain of your laptop. For Photoshop, get at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5. Faster processors make Photoshop run smoother when you work with big files.
RAM
RAM lets your laptop handle multiple tasks at once. For basic Photoshop work, 8GB is the minimum. We suggest 16GB for better performance. If you work with very large files, 32GB is best.
Storage
Look for an SSD (Solid State Drive) instead of an HDD. SSDs are much faster and help Photoshop load quickly. Get at least 512GB of space for your files and programs.
Display
The screen matters a lot for photo editing. Pick a laptop with:
- At least Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution
- Good color accuracy (100% sRGB coverage)
- Matte finish to reduce glare
Graphics Card
A dedicated graphics card helps with certain Photoshop tasks. While not always needed, a mid-range GPU like NVIDIA GTX or AMD Radeon can speed up filters and effects.
Port Selection
Make sure your laptop has enough ports for your needs:
- USB ports for external drives
- SD card reader for camera cards
- HDMI or DisplayPort for connecting to monitors
Battery Life
If you work away from power outlets, good battery life matters. Look for laptops offering at least 6 hours of real-world use.
Frequently Asked Questions
When choosing a laptop for Photoshop, several key factors can make your editing experience smooth and efficient. These include processor speed, RAM capacity, display quality, and graphics performance.
What are the recommended specifications for a laptop running Adobe Photoshop?
For running Photoshop smoothly, we suggest a laptop with at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor. Look for 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage.
A dedicated graphics card like NVIDIA GTX 1650 or AMD Radeon RX 5500M helps with certain Photoshop tasks.
The display should have at least 100% sRGB color coverage and Full HD resolution. 4K displays are better for detailed work but use more battery.
Which affordable laptops are suitable for both Photoshop and Illustrator?
The Acer Swift 3 with Ryzen processors offers good performance for both programs at around $700. It has enough RAM and a color-accurate display.
The HP Envy 13 is another solid choice with good build quality and a bright screen. It handles both programs well.
Dell Inspiron 15 models with dedicated graphics cards are also worth considering. They provide a larger screen for detailed work.
What are the best laptops for Photoshop for users with a budget under $1000?
The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 offers great value with its AMD Ryzen processors and convertible design. It works well for Photoshop tasks.
ASUS VivoBook 15 with an i5 processor and 16GB RAM provides good performance under $900. The display has decent color accuracy too.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is compact but powerful enough for Photoshop work. Its portability makes it good for editing on the go.
How much RAM should a laptop have to operate Adobe Photoshop efficiently?
We recommend 16GB RAM as the sweet spot for most Photoshop users. This amount handles multiple layers and effects without slowdowns.
For basic editing with small files, 8GB might work but will limit performance. You’ll notice delays when working with large files or complex layers.
Professional users working with large files or complex projects should consider 32GB RAM. This extra memory prevents bottlenecks during intensive tasks.
Which Windows laptops are most compatible with Adobe Photoshop’s latest features?
Dell XPS 15 models work exceptionally well with Photoshop’s latest features. They have powerful specs and excellent color-accurate displays.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio supports Photoshop’s touch and pen features perfectly. Its unique hinge design allows for different working modes.
ASUS ProArt StudioBook laptops are built specifically for creative work. They feature Pantone-validated displays and powerful hardware that Photoshop loves.
Can you suggest a laptop that is optimized for graphic design and photo editing tasks?
The MacBook Pro 14-inch with M2 Pro chip excels at graphic design and photo editing. Its Liquid Retina XDR display shows colors accurately.
For Windows users, the Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition is outstanding. It includes an OLED touch display with 100% DCI-P3 color and powerful RTX graphics.
The Gigabyte Aero 16 combines a stunning OLED screen with high-end components. Its color accuracy is certified for professional work.
