The Best Laptop for Photo Editing in 2021

Sharing is caring!

What are the best laptops for photo editing in 2021?

Choosing the perfect photo editing laptop can be difficult — but it doesn’t have to be. Because this guide is dedicated to showing you the best laptop for your needs, no matter your budget.

So whether you’re looking for a high-end laptop for professional photo editing, or a budget laptop for personal use, you can rest easy knowing there’s a great option for you.

Are you ready to discover the best photo editing laptop for your needs?

Let’s get started.

10 Premium & 5 Budget Laptops: The Ultimate Guide

First, let’s have a look at our top 3 picks:

Choosing the Best Photo Editing Laptop in 2021

When it comes to using a laptop for photo editing, there are a few factors that you absolutely can’t live without.

First, you’re going to need a high-quality screen (and a decent graphics card won’t go amiss, either). At the very least, you want something that offers full HD (1080p) resolutions. For the most serious photographers, 4K is a better choice — but it comes with a proportionate price tag. Note that screen size is important here, too; if you’re the type of person who hates having a cramped workspace, you’ll want at least a 15-inch screen, and 17 inches is even better.

Second, you’re going to need at least 6 GB of RAM. Without this, your computer will struggle to run programs such as Lightroom and Photoshop, let alone a newer program such as Luminar 4. And as a photo editor, these programs will be your bread and butter. You’re also going to want a new(ish) processor, especially if you’ll be doing a lot of work in more taxing programs.

Third, you’ll want adequate storage space — and preferably a solid state drive (SSD), which is far faster when performing big operations (e.g., backing up huge quantities of files). These days, RAW files are so large that keeping all your photos on your laptop hard drive is basically impossible. But you’re still going to need to have a chunk of your photos on your laptop for different situations (such as when you travel), plus temporary desktop storage folders can build up fast.

Fourth, it’s worth considering the size and battery power of different photo editing laptops. If you’re the type of editor who works from your own home, you’re not going to need anything special. But if you like to travel for weeks on end with only a laptop, having a smaller device with good battery life is critical.

Now that you’re familiar with the different factors to consider, it’s time to look at your options:

The Best Photo Editing Laptops in 2021: Top Picks for Enthusiasts and Professionals

On this list, you’ll find everything you need if you’re a professional or otherwise experienced photo editor. These laptops feature beautiful screens, amazing processors, and are all-around impressive when it comes to photo editing tasks.

1. HP Spectre x360 15 – Editors’ Pick
2. Dell XPS 15 – Also Great
3. Apple MacBook Pro (16-Inch) – Best for Pros & Mac Users
4. HP ZBook Studio G5
5. LG Gram 17-Inch
6. HP Specture x360 13
7. Dell XPS 13
8. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme
9. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3
10. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga

Best Budget Laptops for Photo Editing

1. ASUS Vivobook 15 – Best Budget Pick
2. Acer Aspire 5
3. HP Envy 13
4. Acer Swift 3
5. ASUS ZenBook 13

Starting with:

1. HP Spectre x360 (Editor’s Pick)

If you’re looking for an ultra-portable, ultra-flexible travel laptop for photo editing, then check out the HP Spectre x360. With HP’s 2-in-1 feature, you can easily flip this computer from laptop to tablet and back — which is perfect for working while traveling on planes or trains. The touchscreen is a nice bonus, even if you don’t plan on using the 2-in-1 feature much; it allows you to speed up your editing workflow, plus it just adds a level of convenience.

Like the options ranked above it on this list, the HP Spectre features impressive performance: a 10th-Gen Intel i7 processor, plus 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD. This is perfect for pretty much any photo editing task you can imagine, and the SSD should give you a reasonable amount of space for organizing files.

In terms of resolution, the HP Spectre doesn’t disappoint. The touchscreen is a 3840×2160 UHD (4K) display and comes along with a stylus for enhanced touch functionality.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning the battery life: 13+ hours, which will make pretty much anyone salivate, though it’s especially good for those photo editors who like travel and often don’t find themselves near power outlets.

2. Dell XPS 15 (Also Great)

It’s no secret that Dell’s been crushing it year after year with photo-editing laptops, and the Dell XPS 15 is the best of these, wrapping power, price, and sleek design up into a beautiful, mouthwatering bundle. 

Get your hands on the Dell XPS 15, and the first thing you’ll notice is the display. It’s 4K, which means that you’ll be able to work on your photos with near-perfect detail, plus it just looks great, with the IPS technology guaranteeing all-around stunning colors.  

In terms of power, the Dell XPS 15 is certainly capable, offering a 10th Gen Intel Core i7 and 32 GB of RAM — in other words, you should be able to run your photo editing programs without a hitch. The laptop also includes a 1 TB SSD, which is nice for quickly accessing and copying photos.

When it comes to size, 15.6 inches is the middle-of-the-road option, and whether this works for you depends on the type of photo editor you are. Do you travel frequently with your laptop? Do you use it on the go? Or do you mostly work with it at your desk? Personally, I favor a slightly smaller laptop for traveling (such as the Dell XPS 13, also on this list), but 15 inches does offer a nice amount of screen real estate while still remaining relatively portable. 

Finally, you’ll want to check out the Dell XPS 15’s price, which is pretty darn reasonable for a laptop of its caliber. If you’re looking for the best photo editing laptop available, it’s tough to go wrong with the Dell XPS.

3. Apple MacBook Pro (16-Inch; Best for Pros & Mac Users)

If you’re a professional photographer or photo editor trying to find the absolute best post-processing laptop money can buy, then look no further than the new Apple MacBook Pro.

No, it doesn’t come cheap. But the laptop is a photo editor’s dream, offering 16 inches of gorgeous Retina display resolution, perfect for editing photos for hours on end. Your pictures will come to life on this laptop — if they can stand up to high-resolution levels of scrutiny, that is!

Related Post: Best Photo Software for Apple’s M1 Macs

The MacBook Pro features an excellent 16 GB of RAM, which will make running intensive programs such as Lightroom a breeze. Add to that an 8-core i9 processor from Intel, and you’ve got a photo editing powerhouse.

While MacBook Pros are generally far from impressive in terms of storage space, this one offers 1 TB of storage space (or for a discount, a respectable 512 GB) in an SSD. You’ll also get around 11 hours in battery life, which is perfect for anyone who does photo editing on the go.

So for anyone who needs top of the line technology and can afford the price, the Apple MacBook Pro is the way to go.

4. HP ZBook Studio G5

It’s pricey, it’s heavy, and it’s hardly the best-looking laptop around — but if you care about performance over portability, then the HP ZBook Studio G5 is perfect for your needs. 

First, take a look at the Core i9 processor, which can run Photoshop, Lightroom, and more all day long without a problem.

As for RAM: Our favorite (and less expensive) version of this laptop offers a nice 16 GB, though you can boost this to 32 GB if you want to make your editing programs even faster (and you’re willing to pay the price).

When it comes to photo-editing laptops, a crystal-clear display is a must, and the ZBook Studio delivers on that front; HP equips its basic Studio G5 with a beautiful HD screen, and upgraded versions offer a generous 4K resolution. It’s 15.6 inches, which is great for editors who want a large workspace, though it’s not exactly travel-ready.

Honestly, if you plan to do a lot of traveling, I’d recommend looking elsewhere. The HP ZBook Studio is a standout performer, but the heavy body and overall bulk make it a poor choice for those desiring a truly portable option.

However, if you don’t mind the weight, the HP Zbook Studio X360 is a top-of-the-line performer with the ability to satisfy even the pickiest of photo editors.

Related Post: Best Desktops for Photo Editing (8 Picks for 2021)

5. LG Gram 17-Inch

The 17-inch LG Gram isn’t a small laptop by any means, but that just makes for more image editing space — which is perfect for any photographers who are sick of working on a cramped display.

Yes, with a 17-inch display, you lose some portability. But LG has worked hard to keep things light, managing to pack a huge screen into just under 3 pounds of laptop, which is not bad, considering. And think of what you can do with a full HD 17-inch screen: Edit photos, organize photos, deal with hundreds of files…The list is endless, and with the LG Gram, you’ll have time to explore all the options.

Of course, no 17-inch screen is worth a purchase all on its own. Fortunately, LG has pulled out all the stops for this high-end laptop, including 16 GB of RAM, a 10th-Gen Intel i7, and a 1 TB SSD. In this sense, the LG Gram is a real photo-editing powerhouse, even if the 17-inch screen means that it has to stay tethered to your desk at home.

One more thing to note is the Gram’s battery life. LG promises up to 19.5 hours of power, and while this isn’t as useful as it might be if the Gram were travel-ready, it’s still something that most users will appreciate.

No, the LG Gram doesn’t come cheap. But if you want a laptop with a huge screen and some killer capabilities, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better option.

6. HP Spectre x360 13

The HP Spectre x360 13 gets little recognition in comparison with its larger siblings, but it packs a powerful punch – especially for photo editors in need of a smaller, more portable package. 

The Spectre x360 is on the compact end, weighing in under 3 lb (1.4 kb) while packing a 13.3-inch screen and a sleek design. This is perfect for folks who edit on the go (e.g., frequent travelers or even backpackers); slip the Spectre x360 in your backpack and you’ll hardly know it’s there. 

Of course, no photo editing laptop is complete without a stunning display, and here HP brings the goods. The Spectre x360 sports a beautiful 4K, touch-sensitive OLED screen, guaranteed to make your photos come alive with color, clarity, and all-around beauty. You’ll also appreciate the touchscreen, which will give you a more integrated editing experience, especially if you already edit on smartphones and tablets. 

And if you’re editing on a plane, in a car, or while relaxing in bed, you’ll love the 2-in-1 design; with a flick of your wrist, you’ll have a 13-inch, 4K tablet, perfect for editing (and appreciating) your latest work.

In terms of processing, the HP Spectre x360 13 won’t let you down. You get a 10th-generation Intel Core i7, plus 16 GB of RAM, which is absolutely enough to run your photo editing bread and butter, including Photoshop, Lightroom, and Luminar.

Plus, the 1 TB SSD is pretty darn roomy, so you should have no problem storing all your photos (and even videos).

Here’s the bottom line: 

While the HP Spectre x360 may not offer a breathtaking 15-inch screen, it does feature excellent processing capabilities plus a compact form factor, and traveling photographers will love its 4K 13-inch touchscreen. So if you’re after a powerful laptop that you can use anywhere, the Spectre x360 is an outstanding choice.

7. Dell XPS 13

If you’re after a photo editing laptop that’s ridiculously powerful, offers a beautiful display, and is always travel-ready, the Dell XPS 13 is the way to go.

The latest version of the Dell XPS is just jam-packed with excellent features. First, there’s the processor: an 11th Gen Intel Core i7, which is more than enough to handle Lightroom or Photoshop. When combined with 32 GB of RAM, it’s unstoppable, allowing you to edit smoothly for hours on end. 

You also get a 2 TB SSD, which might even allow hobbyist photographers to catalog their entire collection without an external drive. If you’re a longtime enthusiast or professional, you’ll probably still want some additional storage, but that 2 TB SSD will definitely help you get started organizing your files — and it’ll do it with speed.

And then there’s the display.

While the Dell XPS 13 is on the lower end when it comes to screen size, the beautiful 4K display makes up for it, letting you view your images in crisp, clear, mindblowing detail. If you’ve never used a high-end display before, prepare to be impressed (and I haven’t even mentioned the touchscreen!).

Regarding the smaller screen real estate (it’s 13.4 inches): I do think it’s limiting enough to give plenty of photographers pause. But I’m a fan of 13-inch laptops for photo editing, and here’s why:

You can take them with you anywhere, and they won’t get in the way. The truth is that traveling with a 15-inch — or, even worse, a 17-inch — laptop is just tiresome, and if you’re a frequent traveler, you’re liable to get fed up. That’s where the 13-inch Dell XPS comes in, which manages to combine a beautiful editing experience with all-around incredible performance.

So, if you’re ready for a compact, highly-capable laptop for photo-editing of any kind, grab the Dell XPS 13.

8. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme

If you’re looking for power, then you’re in luck — because the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme has a lot of it, thanks to a 10th-Gen Intel i7 processor and a whopping 64 GB of RAM. Not only will you be able to have a smooth experience with Lightroom and Photoshop, but you’ll also be able to comfortably work with demanding programs such as Luminar — which taxes all but the most serious of laptops.

Then there’s the 2 TB SSD, which will be much appreciated by experienced photo editors. If you’re the type who stores a lot of photos on your laptop — as opposed to using an external storage solution — then this will be a big help, allowing you to import, edit, and export photos from program to program without slowing down.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme manages to look sleek without offering any real compactness; the screen is 15.6 inches, plus the overall package is just under four pounds. This is hardly ideal for travelers, but if you’re just planning to take the ThinkPad X1 into the studio every now and again, you should be fine.   

As for the display:

It’s 4K, it’s IPS, it’s big, it’s bright, and it looks pretty darn awesome. Colors are amazing, and your images will look beautiful; honestly, the screen alone is practically worth the price of the laptop.

All in all, the ThinkPad X1 Extreme will impress even the most demanding of photo editors, and once you get a look at that display, you’ll know you’ve made the right decision.  

9. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3

When it comes to buying a photo-editing laptop, you’re faced with an age-old dilemma: 

Do I need a big screen? Or do I need portability?

Yet the Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 turns this on its head, managing to combine a nice 15-inch screen with an ultra-compact body — the ultimate combination for travelers. While the display isn’t 4K, it’s a quite crisp 2496 x 1664, and you’ll have a great time admiring photos and videos alike. 

(Note that, for photo editors seeking an even more portable machine, you can drop the size to 13.5 inches.)

In terms of power, the basic Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 isn’t in the same league as some of the other options on this list; it offers 8 GB of RAM and an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, which is serviceable but certainly nothing to write home about. Yet there are plenty of options for upgrades. Try doubling the memory to 16 GB or even 32 GB and boosting the processor to an AMD Ryzen 7, which will give you a much more capable photo editing laptop (albeit at a much higher price).

As for storage, you can choose between several SSDs, including a 128 GB option (the most basic pick, and pretty limiting for photographers), a 512 GB option (perfect for hobbyists, or photographers with a nice external storage solution), and even a 1 TB option (for those who like to organize photos on their PC).

Finally, the Surface Laptop 3 certainly looks good, allowing you to choose from several colors, including a flashy cobalt blue, a sleek platinum, and a refined matte black.

10. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga is an absolute dream of a laptop; it packs a lot of great features into a small body.

What makes the ThinkPad X1 special?

First, check out the flexibility: The ThinkPad isn’t exactly slim, but it offers a 2-in-1 body so you can use it either as a laptop or a tablet. This is perfect for the traveling photographer — imagine whipping out your ThinkPad X1 on a plane or a train, and quickly converting it into tablet mode. The ThinkPad X1 also includes a touchscreen. And while not all photographers like to edit that way, it’s certainly a nice feature to have.

Second, the screen is beautiful; the display is 2560×1440 (beyond full HD). This is perfect for crystal-clear images and high-quality editing, plus the 14-inch size makes the ThinkPad X1 a great option for the more travel-minded photographers while keeping the editing workspace reasonably large.

Now, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 does come with a pretty hefty price tag, but that’s to be expected with a Core i7 processor and 16 GB RAM. And if you’re interested in keeping a file system on your desktop, the 512 SSD will guarantee some additional storage functionality. While any photographer who is willing to pay such a premium for a photo editing laptop probably has a large image library (and will be using some form of external storage), it’s nice to have the space to deal with files in case it’s needed.

If you’re looking for a budget laptop with decent specs, look elsewhere. But if you’re looking for a real performer with a gorgeous screen, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga is a great choice.

The Best Photo Editing Laptops in 2021: Top Picks on a Budget

If you’re in need of a budget laptop for photo editing, then you’ve come to the right place. Because this list will have the perfect option for you, guaranteed.

These days, you don’t need to spend thousands in order to get some serious editing power. Sure, you may not be able to grab a 4K monitor, but you can definitely get a nice 1080p option with decent storage space, respectable RAM, and more.

Let’s take a look at your options:

1. ASUS Vivobook 15 (Best Budget Pick)

Our absolute top pick for photo editing on a budget is the ASUS Vivobook 15, which offers a great combination of features and price.

No, the processor isn’t class-leading, but an Intel Core i5 will get you far and shouldn’t have trouble running a program like Lightroom, especially when it’s alongside 8 GB of RAM. Plus, you get a 512 GB SSD, which should give you some good storage options. And if you’re a dedicated photographer, you’re probably going to need to grab a backup storage drive to handle your image library anyway, so the built-in storage options won’t be too limiting.

Our favorite thing about the ASUS Vivobook 15 is the screen: 15.6 inches with full HD (1080p) resolution. And I can guarantee: You’ll love the way your images look on a full HD display. Plus, it’s packed into a streamlined body, one that will make you look (and feel) professional while using it.

As far as portability goes, the Vivobook does well; despite the 15-inch size, it’s extremely slim, perfect for travel and editing on the go.

Bottom line:

If you’re looking for a powerful laptop at a great price, the ASUS Vivobook 15 is a great way to go.

2. Acer Aspire 5

The Acer Aspire 5 offers everything you need for photo editing in a relatively inexpensive package, even if it doesn’t pack standout features such as a 4K screen or 32 GB of RAM.

For under $600 USD, the Acer Aspire 5 offers reasonable power; with 12 GB of RAM and an AMD Ryzen 3 processor, you’re not going to be winning any races, but you should be able to edit in Lightroom — and if you don’t mind a bit of lag, Photoshop — without too much of an issue. 

As for storage space, you get a 256 GB SSD, which isn’t as large as more experienced photographers might like, but will do a nice job when combined with an external hard drive. In my experience, 256 GB runs out pretty fast, but if you’re a hobbyist photographer who doesn’t capture thousands of photos every month, you may find that 256 GB is enough for your needs without an external drive.

The Acer Aspire 5’s display is relatively nice; it’s IPS, it’s FHD, and the 15.6-inch size will give you plenty of space for editing. While I tend to prefer 13-inch laptops for traveling, you might be able to get away with using this one on the go, thanks to its sleek and relatively compact design. 

Ultimately, for the budget-conscious photographer or photo editor, the Acer Aspire 5 is an excellent pick.

3. HP Envy 13

If you’re looking for a slightly higher-end (but still budget-focused!) photo editing laptop, check out the HP Envy 13. It offers a lot of solid features, combined with some serious resolution and performance chops — which will make any budget-conscious photographer salivate.

What makes the HP Envy 13 such a good deal?

First, its performance. The Envy features a 10th-Gen Intel Core i7, along with 8 GB of RAM — which isn’t cutting edge but certainly will make you feel well taken care of. Plus, the laptop offers 512 GB in an SSD, which is a decent amount of space for file management, especially for more serious photographers who plan on working with a backup drive.

If image clarity is important to you (and, let’s face it, why wouldn’t it be?), you’re going to love the display. It’s only 13 inches, yes, but it packs some serious punch, with a beautiful glass touchscreen and 4K resolution. Plus, the 13-inch screen simply makes the laptop that much more portable; you can slip it into a backpack, a handbag, or a briefcase, then bring it out whenever necessary.

In fact, one of our favorite things about this laptop is how portable it is. It’s small, it’s light, and it’s slim, the perfect combination for photographers on the go. Combine that with up to 10 hours of battery life, and you’ve got yourself an absolute winner.

4. Acer Swift 3

The Acer Swift 3 is another great option for the budget-conscious photo editor to contemplate. Like other laptops in this section, it’s not the flashiest choice out there, but it packs a heavy punch where it matters.

Let’s start with the screen: 14 inches of full HD (1080p) beauty, perfect for editing photos (or looking at photography, or watching photography tutorials). Plus, 14 inches is a nice compromise between 15 inches, which is sometimes a bit too bulky to be travel-worthy, and 13 inches, which can result in a cramped workspace.

As for the performance, the Acer Swift 3 includes an eighth-generation Intel i5, along with 8 GB of RAM, which should allow you to run Lightroom and Photoshop without much trouble, even if you do use them pretty intensely. You’ll also like the 256 GB SSD, which gives you room to maneuver when it comes to image editing, even if it’s not enough to store a dedicated photo library.

Photographers who travel frequently will appreciate the decent (7+ hour) battery life; it’s not quite as much as you can find in other (higher-priced) models, but it will certainly do the job.

All in all, the Acer Swift 3 is a great budget option. It performs well while keeping the price to a reasonable level, and it’s certainly worth a look for enthusiast photographers.

5. ASUS ZenBook 13

The ASUS ZenBook 13 sits on the high-end of the budget options, but I highly recommend you check it out; it’s one of the most complete portable budget laptops you’ll ever encounter, offering a sweet combination of power, compactness, and a nice HD display that will make your photos shine. 

As I’ve repeated throughout this article, 13 inches is the way to go if you’re a frequent traveler or you simply want to take your laptop everywhere you go. Here, the ASUS ZenBook 13 fits the bill, and it also comes with a surprisingly rugged chassis — so you don’t have to worry about your laptop getting damaged in the field. 

In terms of processing power, you’ll love the 11th-Gen Intel Core i7 and 16 GB of RAM combination, which is more than enough for those who work frequently in Photoshop, Lightroom, and other demanding programs. You’ll also appreciate the 1 TB SSD, which will make file organization a breeze; you’ll have enough space to deal with a decent chunk of your files, and the extra speed offered by an SSD won’t go unnoticed. 

These days, everyone’s talking about 4K screens, but the HD screen on the ASUS ZenBook 13 is pretty darn respectable, thanks to its beautiful colors and crisp output — as a photo editor, you want your photos looking good and bright, and the ASUS ZenBook 13 delivers.

So while the ASUS ZenBook 13 isn’t as cheap as some of the other options on the list, it’s certainly worth a look — especially if you’re after a portable, fast, and relatively powerful photo editing option.

The Best Laptops for Photo Editing in 2021: Conclusion

Now that you’ve read this article, you should have a good idea of the best laptops for your photo editing needs — no matter your budget.

There are plenty of great photo editing laptops out there, at so many different price points. So you’ll undoubtedly be able to find the perfect option for you.

And you’ll be able to give your photos the editing they deserve!

Related Post: Best Tablets for Photo Editing