Drawing laptops are made with artists in mind and offer some of the best specs and features on the market. The best drawing laptops for 2022 have high-definition screens which will be perfect for trying out new art techniques or displaying your work online.
If you’re looking for the best laptop for artists in 2022 that is designed to handle the most demanding artistic & design tasks, it’s worth checking out the latest drawing laptops.
Top Rated Laptops for Artists – Drawing, Animation & Digital Art
- Dynamic fulcrum hinge
- Excellent Surface Pen and Dial (not included)
- Excellent processor, storage, and RAM
- The best performance advantages make this laptop our top choice for artists
- A best in class laptop with the versatility of a studio and tablet
- More power now with the new 8th generation intel core processor
- Ultra slim and light, starting at just 1.7 pounds. sensors : ambient light sensor, accelerometer
- All day battery life, with upto 13.5 hours of video playback
- Dual-torque technology
- Google Play Store and Google Drive
- Attractive and sturdy design
- Great for drawing for those on a budget
If you want a laptop for artwork, designing using software programs such as Photoshop, or drawing anime characters as I do; this article will help guide your decision process – along with some top-rated laptops for drawing that come recommended.
A laptop made for drawing gives you great control over contrast, resolution, color accuracy, and versatility while providing excellent precision thanks to its high-quality display screen capable of handling delicate digital media input without sacrificing rendering quality.
After hours of rigorous research, we went and compiled a list of the best laptops for drawing that will help narrow your search – you can decide which one to go for and get to creating!
Laptops for Drawing – Reviews
Regardless of your budget, style, or preferences, there is a drawing laptop out there for everyone. Let’s review the seven laptops that we found most beneficial for artists in detail, including the most notable features (drawing laptops with pen included!), advantages, and disadvantages. We hope you manage to find your best laptop for drawing from the following top 7 that made the cut!
1. Microsoft Surface Book 2 13.5″ – The Best Laptop for Artists
| Processor | Intel Core i7-8650U Quad-Core – 1.9GHz |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR3 |
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 |
| Storage | 256GB SSD |
| Display | 13.5″ (3000×2000), PixelSense IPS panel |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Pro |
| Battery Life | 17 hours |
| Weight | 3.62 lbs |
| UPC | 889842248852 |
Top 3 Features
Fans of the Microsoft Surface series will appreciate this one. Microsoft Laptops offer the Surface Book 2 which is more targeted towards professionals with high-end specs and insane battery life.
While the design hasn’t changed from its Surface Book predecessor, the silvery metallic device feels lighter at 3.62 pounds; it is thinner and more compact at 12.30 x 9.14 x 0.90”.
The dynamic fulcrum hinge gives you control in how you angle the screen.
The touchscreen is responsive to the touch, while the shallow keyboard is satisfying to use. It is compatible with the Surface Pen, which we recommend for artists. With an SSD storage capacity of 256GB, you’ll have plenty of room for your drawings and artwork.
Before you ask, the Windows Hello face sign-in is present for your protection.
The laptop has two USB 3.0-A ports, one USB-C port, two Surface Connect ports, one full-size SD card, and one headphone jack. This could be a great choice as a laptop for gaming and drawing.
- Superior battery life
- Dynamic fulcrum hinge
- Excellent Surface Pen and Dial (not included)
- Excellent processor, storage, and RAM
- Vibrant and bright display
- Expensive without accessories
- Still no Thunderbolt 3
2. Lenovo Flex 14 – Best Drawing Laptop
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 3500U – 2.1GHz |
| RAM | 12GB DDR4 |
| Graphics Card | AMD Radeon Vega 8 |
| Storage | 256GB SSD |
| Display | 14” FHD (1440×900), LED-backlit IPS panel |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Battery Life | 10 hours |
| Weight | 2.76 lbs |
| UPC | 193268734234 |
Top 3 Features
The 2-in-1 Flex 14 is the embodiment of a hidden gem among affordable counterparts, and one of the best laptops for drawing. This drawing laptop with pen for drawing included is a bonus, but isn’t cheap.
Its design is simple with a matte black finish and polished aluminum surfaces for an understated look. With 12.91 x 9.02 x 0.7” dimensions and a weight of 3.52 pounds, it is a tiny bit bulkier than other laptops on the list but is portable. A superior choice vs the Lenovo Yoga C940, which doesn’t come with the active pen.
While the 14-inch display provides sharp pictures and videos that look good from all angles, we wish the display was brighter.
This 2-in-1 laptop can be used in laptop mode, tent-style or flat, which is perfect for artists, and a great tablet laptop for graphic design.
Other than being the best laptop tablet for drawing, the Flex 14 offers an array of ports that keep you connected with no need for adapters: a USB 3.0 Type-C, 2 USB 3.0, HDMI, 4-in-1 card reader, and an audio combo jack.
- Affordable
- TrueBlock Privacy Shutter
- Rapid Charge technology
- Active pen included
- 12 GB RAM
- Contender for best laptop with stylus pen for drawing
- Unideal pen holder placement
- Not the brightest display
3. Acer Chromebook R11 – Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Artists & Drawing
| Processor | Intel Celeron N3150 Quad-Core – 1.6GHz |
| RAM | 4GB DDR3L |
| Graphics Card | Intel HD Graphics |
| Storage | 32GB eMMC |
| Display | 11.6” HD (1366×768), LED-backlit IPS panel |
| Operating System | Chrome OS |
| Battery Life | 10 hours |
| Weight | 2.76 lbs |
| UPC | 888863475520 |
Top 3 Features
The Acer Chromebook R11 stands out among Chromebooks with the 360-degree hinge, excellent battery life, and attractive design. We believe it to be the best Chromebook for artists, read on to see…
The Chromebook R11 has an 11.6-inch touchscreen display with useful In-Plane Switching technology, high-quality colors, and a decent contrast ratio. It’s the best convertible laptop for drawing. That said, the display could use a little bit more brightness for when you use it outside.
Unlike the Chromebook flip, this hybrid device has a 1.6GHz Intel Celeron N3150 processor and 4GB of RAM, which isn’t groundbreaking, but it wasn’t targeted at hardcore gamers in the first place. These specs are plenty for artists.
The 32GB of storage isn’t the highest, but it’s alright when you think about the additional 100GB of Google Drive space and the extra SD card slot. You’ll have lots of storage for your art.
Touchscreen laptops are excellent, and the keyboard is comfortable for long hours of work. The trackpad suffers from inconsistency in how it reacts to each press. That said, thanks to the 360-degree hinge, you can pick and choose from four different modes.
This Chromebook lives up to its claims in terms of battery life, as it lasts for 10 hours on a single charge. In our view, this makes it one of the best 2 in 1 laptops for artists. This is a portable laptop that is meant to be reliable on the go.
- Dual-torque technology
- Google Play Store and Google Drive
- Attractive and sturdy design
- Lightweight and portable
- Full-size ports
- One of the best 2 in 1 laptops for drawing & graphic design
- Trackpad could be better
- Display isn’t the brightest
4. Microsoft Surface Pro 6 – Best Cheap Laptop for Artists
| Processor | Intel Core i5-8250U Quad Core – 1.6GHz |
| RAM | 8GB DDR3 |
| Graphics Card | Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
| Storage | 128GB SSD |
| Display | 12.3” LCD (2736×1824), PixelSense |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
| Battery Life | 13.5 hours |
| Weight | 1.71 lbs (not including type cover) |
| UPC | 889842369373 |
Top 3 Features
The Microsoft Surface Pro 6’s stunning display, outstanding long battery life, and the accessories that you can purchase all make it the ideal companion of an artist.
Starting with the design, the Surface Pro 6 has a magnesium body and rounded edges. It comes in two elegant platinum and black colors.
Weighing 1.71 pounds, this device is one of the most lightweight on the market. It is compact with dimensions at 11.5 x 7.9 x 0.33”; you won’t have any trouble fitting it in your bag, this makes it a great windows laptop for drawing.
The Intel Core i5-8250U quad-core processor and 8GB of RAM are more than enough for business and content making. A microSD card accompanies the 128GB of storage in the base version of the device for extra storage for your work. With all this in mind, this could be the best laptop for artists.
Since the Surface Pro 6 is a tablet, it had to have such a responsive and sensitive touchscreen. We have to mention the facial-recognition Windows Hello sign-in, which allows you to log in password-free. Probably better if you’re looking for cheap laptops for digital art.
This hybrid device falls short in terms of connectivity; while it has one USB 3.0, one mini DisplayPort, one microSD card reader, and one audio jack, it lacks any USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 ports.
- Excellent battery life
- Best laptop for art students
- 2 sleek color options
- 2736 x 1824 resolution
- Windows Hello sign-in
- Top-notch laptop accessories (not included)
- Pricey even without type cover and Surface Pen
- No USB-C or Thunderbolt 3
5. Samsung Notebook 9 Pro – Best Touch Screen Laptop for Drawing
| Processor | Intel i7-8550U Quad-Core – 1.8GHz |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4 |
| Graphics Card | AMD Radeon RX 540 |
| Storage | 256GB SSD |
| Display | 15” FHD (1920×1080), LED-backlit |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
| Battery Life | 12.5 hours |
| Weight | 3.79 lbs |
| UPC | 887276244266 |
Top 3 Features
As far as laptops you can draw on go, the Samsung Notebook 9 Pro is a premium choice for fast performance, sleek design, stunning display, and an included pen for all your doodling needs. Finding the best laptop for drawing and animation no longer has to be a chore. The wait is over… the best laptop for rendering animation is here!
A premium laptop knows how to catch your eye. This one has curved edges for a comfortable grip and a matte-aluminum chassis that puts the “Pro” in “professional.”
It weighs 3.79 pounds. Also, it has 13.70×9.40×0.70” dimensions. So, it is not the most compact laptop on our list, but it will feel lightweight and comfortable to carry.
Art enthusiasts will appreciate the 16GB RAM and AMD Radeon 540 GPU that is perfect for all kinds of light laptop gaming and video editing, It’s for sure the best notebook for drawing. The 8th generation intel core 1.8GHz Intel i7-8550U quad-core processor promises and delivers a lag-free performance, while the 256GB of internal storage is all that an artist needs.
The high-resolution touch screen laptop and the trackpad are highly responsive, while the laptop’s backlit keyboard is comfortable and spacious. Furthermore, the 360-degree tablet mode enables you to maximize the touchscreen if the keyboard becomes unnecessary.
This 2-in-1 laptop is generous in its connectivity, as it has two USB 3.0 ports, one USB Type C, one full HDMI port, one combo headphone/microphone jack, and one MicroSD card slot.
- Responsive S Pen (included)
- Excellent battery life and fast charging
- ENERGY STAR certified
- Tablet mode
- Bright and colorful 15-inch display
- Expensive
- Speaker is underwhelming at best
6. Acer Chromebook Spin 13 CP713-1WN-53NF
| Processor | Intel i5 8250U Quad-Core – 1.6GHz |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR3 |
| Graphics Card | Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
| Storage | 128GB eMMC |
| Display | 13.5” LCD (2256×1504), LED-backlit |
| Operating System | Chrome OS |
| Battery Life | 10 hours |
| Weight | 3.5 lbs |
| UPC | 191114863022 |
Top 3 Features
The Acer Chromebook Spin 13 CP713-1WN-53NF impresses with a roomy display, rugged construction, and an included stylus; which is an important feature as far as laptops with stylus for drawing included go.
It weighs 3.5 pounds, which is a bit weighty for a Chromebook. Of course, it is lightweight to carry around with ease, but holding it in one hand is different from other Chromebooks.
Its 9.68 x 12.19 x 0.67” dimensions aren’t the smallest either, but that makes sense with the roomy display.
Artists will appreciate the Intel i5 8250U Quad-Core and Intel UHD Graphics 620 GPU. With 8GB of RAM and 128GB eMMC of storage, there is a lot that you can do.
The versatility in modes that we can achieve is impressive, thanks to the 360-degree hinge.
You won’t need an adapter as it comes with two USB Type-C ports, one Type-A USB 3.0 port, a headphone jack, and a MicroSD card slot.
- Wacom stylus (included)
- One of the best laptops for illustrators
- 3:2 aspect ratio display
- Corning Gorilla Glass NBT multi-touchscreen
- 2256×1504 resolution
- Durable aluminum casing
- Not the most lightweight
- Fan gets loud during intensive work
7. Microsoft Surface Pro 7 – Best Laptop for Digital Art
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1035 Quad-Core – 1.1GHz |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR4x |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Plus Graphics |
| Storage | 256GB SSD |
| Display | 12.3″ (2736×1824), PixelSense |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
| Battery Life | 10.5 hours |
| Weight | 1.70 lbs (not including type cover) |
| UPC | 889842512267 |
Top 3 Features
If you like the Microsoft Surface Pro 6, but feel like it needs an upgrade, you will love the Surface Pro 7; it is similar but is better in performance and specs due to the powerful 10th gen intel core CPU.
The design, shape, and weight are similar to the Pro Surface 6, with 2 elegant color options: platinum or matte black.
There is no upgrade from the Surface Pro 6 in terms of display, which can be a disappointment for some, but it is compensated for with superior performance. We love the Windows Hello sign-in that allows you to sign without a password.
Like the Surface Pro 6, this device is compatible with the responsive Surface Pen and the practical type cover; they enable you to maximize the device in different modes. In our estimation, this is the best surface pro for drawing you can buy today.
The Surface Pro 7 has a battery life of up to 10.5 hours, which isn’t much for a late model; it can go from 0% to 80% in over an hour.
- Different color options
- Windows Hello sign-in
- Excellent processor, storage, and RAM for a tablet
- USB-C and USB-A ports
- Top-notch accessories
- The best laptop for digital art
- Expensive without accessories
- Still no Thunderbolt 3
Honorable mentions that didn’t make the list of top laptops for artists – HP Spectre x360, Lenovo Yoga C940, HP Zbook Studio, Dell XPS 15, Macbook Pro.
Buyer’s Guide to Picking The Perfect Drawing Laptop
Laptop drawing is a creative process that requires you to look at a blank page and fill it with something. That something could be a portrait, a landscape, a still life, a story, or whatever else you might want to draw. By reading our guide, our recommended list above, finding the best laptop for illustration purposes or digital design will be much easier.
If you want the best laptop to draw on, you need one that’s one of the best laptops for artists and drawing. Whether you’re an art and design student or a professional artist – our buyer’s guide will help!
Get help choosing the best laptops for artists and designers
As this guide pertains to laptops it will help you if, as an artist, you’re looking for the best computer for drawing for your design or art career and hobbies. Good laptops for drawing are hard to find so we hope this best laptop for creatives guide makes the process easier!
You can get your artistic juices flowing with some amazing laptops that you can draw on. I am a huge fan of stylus input, there are a few options that allow you to draw, paint, and sketch your heart out so you can find your best laptop for digital drawing!
Display, Graphics, and Resolution
Display or screen size is more essential for laptops for artists than any other type of user because it decides whether you see everything you’re doing or drawing. A larger screen size is like a larger painting easel for your digital art laptop but with more perks than just having more space.
We recommend a display size of 12” and higher for maximum comfort. A GPU of 4 to 8GB is excellent. Concerning resolution, shoot for an HD resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels or higher.
Processor
A processor does all the basic instructions and commands in a computer.
Whether it is Intel or AMD, which has its own heated debate, what decides the best processor for you is your applications’ intensity and how much you need to do.
A good rule of thumb for a laptop that you can draw on is that dual-core processors meet the needs of most everyday users, while quad-core processors enhance your laptop computer’s processing abilities.
RAM
Memory plays a huge part in art. RAM or Random Access Memory refers to the storage of data being actively used. It can be retrieved, but it can also be lost, like a power outage.
Any artist looking for a laptop should shoot for 8 up to 16GB of RAM. Technically, you can use less, but using a bit more than your famous drawing software’s minimum requirements will make a huge difference that digital artists swear by. This applies to any good laptops for art and gaming too.
Design
Many people can’t choose between getting a laptop or a tablet when it comes to designing and drawing. Sometimes a keyboard is a necessity; other times, it is an inconvenience. Manufacturers became aware of the struggle, and that is where hybrid laptops come in.
Hybrid laptops are 2-in-1 touch-optimized, convertible laptops for artists that enable you to switch between using them as laptops or tablets in seconds.
Battery Life
Battery life can change your experience dramatically. If you can focus on your work without fretting about finding a nearby socket, especially when you’re on the go, you made it.
We have another, more in-depth article, titled 7 things to consider before buying a drawing laptop, which offers more helpful advice so you can feel confident with your buying decision and, above all – avoid making any mistakes.
I hope this guide has been fun to read while helping make an informed decision in your search for the best laptop for drawing in 2022!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a 2-in-1 Laptop for Graphics or Drawing?
2-in-1 laptops offer the performance of a laptop and the convenience of tablets in one device that can be detached and reattached in mere seconds. This idea caters to artists who need a keyboard and need to detach the touch screen for more freedom and focus.
Desktops vs. Laptops – Which Is Best for Drawing?
It depends on your lifestyle. If portability is essential in your work, a laptop is a no-brainer. Desktops, on the other hand, offer higher specs than laptops.
Do I Really Need a Touchscreen Laptop for Drawing?
Touchscreen sensitivity is an excellent feature that gives you full control that you would otherwise have with a pen and paper. Touchscreens make every stroke and application matter, which makes the final artwork yours.
Many artists prefer to do without touchscreens as a personal preference.
Conclusion
No matter which laptop you opt for, we hope that the list and the guide above have guided you towards the best laptops for drawing. Hopefully, this article has helped you make a decision on the best art laptop for your requirements, we have an in-depth round-up of architecture laptops, being related to art and drawing we thought that one may be of interest.
In our opinion, the best laptops with a stylus are the Samsung Notebook 9 Pro and Acer Chromebook Spin 13.
If you’re looking for fast and lag-free performance, we recommend the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 or the Microsoft Surface Book 2 13.5″ – they truly are the best laptops for a digital artist.