The Best Laptop for UX Designers in 2023
When I first started as a UX Designer in 2019, I was using a 2015 Macbook Pro. It was fine and worked well, but honestly it was just too slow and not the best laptop for UX Designers! As a newbie designer back in 2019, I was in a BootCamp and learning 24/7, as you can imagine, I had multiple tabs open in Chrome and had Figma running in the background while I tried other design tools simultaneously.
Apple MacBook Pro
Dell XPS 15
HP Spectre x360
When I finally saved up to get myself the cream of the crop when it comes to laptops, the Apple MacBook Pro. I felt it was the right decision, seeing as how 3D animation is blowing up and the future of design is virtual reality; I needed a laptop to be able to handle these design tasks in the future without slowing down.
I did some research on the best laptop for UX Designers before making my decision, so I’m sharing the list of 9 laptops I reviewed so you don’t have to go searching yourself.
Minimum System Requirements for UX Design Laptops
UI/UX designers are artists of the digital world, and to create the best designs, they need robust machines that can support their creative process. So, what are the minimum system requirements for the best laptop for UX Designers? Let’s dive into the essentials:
- Processor: A processor is the heart of a laptop. A good processor ensures smoother and faster execution of tasks. A minimum of Intel Core i5 or AMD equivalent is recommended for UI/UX designing.
- RAM: RAM plays an essential role in running multiple applications simultaneously without slowing down your system. You should aim for at least 8GB of RAM as UI/UX design software requires a minimum of 8GB RAM..
- Storage: A solid-state drive (SSD) is recommended over a hard disk drive (HDD) for faster data retrieval and quicker boot times as SSD storage is faster than HDD and is better for UI/UX design. Minimum of 256GB SSD is suggested.
- Graphics: For UI/UX designing, a dedicated graphics card isn’t mandatory but can be beneficial for rendering designs faster. A laptop with a decent integrated GPU would suffice.
- Display: A display with a good resolution can help designers see their work in finer detail. Ideally, a laptop with a Full HD display should be considered.
Remember, these are the minimum requirements. If you can afford better specs, go for it! Higher specifications will only make your design process smoother and more efficient.
best laptop for UX Designers
User interface and UX designers need a laptop that can handle complex design software, provide a high-quality display, and have sufficient storage. We’ve compiled a list of the 9 best laptops for UX designers that are up to the task.
| Laptop | Manufacturer | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. MacBook Pro (16 inch, 2023) | Apple | Approx. $2399 | 16-inch Retina Display, Apple M1 Pro/Max, up to 64GB RAM, up to 8TB SSD |
| 2. Dell XPS 15 | Dell | Approx. $1599 | 15.6-inch 4K UHD+ Display, Intel i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD |
| 3. HP Spectre x360 | HP | Approx. $1499 | 15.6-inch 4K UHD Display, Intel i7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD |
| 4. ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo | ASUS | Approx. $2299 | Dual 4K Display, Intel i9, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD |
| 5. Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 | Microsoft | Approx. $1000 | 13.5-inch PixelSense™ Display, Intel i7, up to 32GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Surface Pen enabled |
| 6. Acer Swift 5 | Acer | Approx. $999 | 13.5-inch IPS Touch Display, Intel i7, Up to 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Acer Active Stylus Support |
| 7. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon | Lenovo | Approx. $1,300 | 14-inch FHD+ Display, Intel i7, Up to 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, ThinkPad Pen Pro enabled |
| 8. Razer Blade 15 | Razer | Approx. $1999 | 15.6-inch FHD Display, Intel i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD |
| 9. LG Gram 17 | LG | Approx. $1699 | 17-inch IPS Display, Intel i7, up to 16GB, 1TB SSD |
1. Apple MacBook Pro – The best laptop for UX Designers based on performance.
Overview
The Apple MacBook Pro is a top-tier laptop for UI UX Designers that combines high performance, outstanding graphics, and an excellent Retina display. It’s a favorite among UI/UX designers due to its sleek design and powerful processing capacity. MacBooks are popular among UI/UX designers.
Key Benefits
- Retina display for crystal clear graphics
- Powerful M1 Pro or M1 Max processors
- Super-fast SSD storage
Pricing
The MacBook Pro pricing starts at around $3,599 for the base model, increasing with customizations and upgrades.
Product Pros
Product Cons
2. Dell XPS 15 – The best laptop for UX Designers based on portability.
Overview
The Dell XPS 15 offers a brilliant 4K UHD display, robust performance, and a sleek design. It’s a great choice for UI/UX designers who require high-quality displays and dependable processing power.
Key Benefits
- 4K UHD display
- Up to Intel i9 processors
- Up to 64GB RAM
Pricing
Prices for the Dell XPS 15 start at around $1,299, with variations depending on configurations and specifications.
Product Pros
Product Cons
3. HP Spectre x360 – The best laptop for UX Designers based on affordability.
Overview
The HP Spectre x360 is a versatile machine that can handle both design work and everyday tasks. With its sleek design and long battery life, it’s a great choice for anyone who needs a machine that can keep up with their busy life.
Key Benefits
- 360 degree hinge for multiple viewing modes
- Long battery life for all-day use
- Thin and portable design
Pricing
The HP Spectre x360 has a starting price of $1,199. The cost can increase based on configuration options such as increased memory, enhanced graphics, or an upgraded processor. It’s a worthwhile investment for designers looking for powerful performance and flexibility.
Product Pros
Product Cons
4. Asus ZenBook Pro Duo
Overview
The Asus ZenBook Pro Duo is a unique machine with a dual-screen design that’s perfect for designers. With its powerful specs and innovative design, it’s a great choice for anyone who wants to take their design work to the next level.
Key Benefits
- Dual-screen design for increased productivity
- Powerful specs for handling large design files
- Portable design for work on the go
Pricing
Starting at $2,499, this laptop is an investment in high-quality design work. Depending on customization options such as memory, storage, and processor upgrades, the price may increase.
Product Pros
Product Cons
5. Microsoft Surface Laptop 4
Overview
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is a sleek and powerful machine that’s perfect for design work. With its beautiful display and long battery life, it’s a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable machine that can keep up with their busy schedule.
Key Benefits
- Touchscreen display for easy navigation
- Long battery life for busy days
- Thin and lightweight design for easy portability
Pricing
Starting at a base price of $999, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 offers a great blend of performance and affordability. The price varies based on the selected configurations and upgrades. It’s an investment worth considering for the advanced features you get in return.
Product Pros
Product Cons
6. Acer Swift 5
Overview
The Acer Swift 5 is lightweight and affordable laptop with a fast processor and long battery life.
Key Benefits
- Lightweight and portable
- Fast Intel Core processor
- Up to 17 hours of battery life
- Affordable price point
Pricing
The starting price of this gem is $849.99, an absolute steal considering the impressive features on offer for UI/UX designers. This price not only gets you a high-performance machine but also a gadget loaded with professional-grade software for creating breathtaking user interfaces and digital designs. The value for money is simply unmatched at this price point.
Product Pros
Product Cons
7. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
Overview
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is a lightweight and powerful machine that’s perfect for design work on the go. With its long battery life and durable design, it’s a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable machine for their busy lifestyle.
Key Benefits
- Long battery life for all-day use
- Durable design for added protection
- Thin and lightweight design for easy portability
Pricing
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 has a starting price of $1,149. This price may vary depending on the specific configuration and features chosen.
Product Pros
Product Cons
8. Razer Blade 15
Overview
The Razer Blade 15 is a powerful machine that’s designed for both gaming and design work. With its powerful specs and beautiful display, it’s a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable machine for their busy lifestyle.
Key Benefits
- Color-accurate display for precise design work
- Powerful specs for handling large design files
- Thin and portable design for easy transport
Pricing
For those with an eye on their budget, you’ll be pleased to know that the Razor Blade 15 comes with a starting price of $1,499. This price tag ensures you’re investing in a top-notch device for your UI/UX design needs.
Product Pros
Product Cons
9. LG Gram 17
Overview
The LG Gram 17 is a lightweight and powerful machine that’s perfect for design work on the go. With its long battery life and large display, it’s a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable machine for their busy lifestyle.
Key Benefits
- Large display for easy viewing
- Long battery life for all-day use
- Thin and lightweight design for easy portability
Pricing
The LG Gram 17 is a higher-end laptop, with pricing beginning at $1,399. This price can increase with additional customization or upgrades to the device’s specifications, such as increased storage or a faster processor.
Product Pros
Product Cons
Summary
In conclusion, when it comes to finding the best laptop for UX designers and graphic designers, there are a lot of great options on the market. However, the Apple Macbook Pro, Dell XPS, and the HP Spectre x360 all stand out as excellent choices.
Each offers powerful features and benefits that cater to the specific needs of UX designers. Ultimately, the right choice will depend on your personal preferences and budget. No matter which laptop you choose, investing in a high-quality device will help you work more efficiently and produce better results.
Frequently Asked questions (F.A.Q) on the best laptop for UX Designers?
Should I choose a Windows or Mac laptop for UI UX design?
Both Windows and Mac laptops have their own strengths and weaknesses for UI/UX design, so it ultimately depends on personal preference and familiarity with the operating system.
Macs are known for their sleek design, intuitive interface, and compatibility with popular design software like Sketch and Adobe Creative Suite. Windows laptops, on the other hand, offer a wider range of hardware options, often at a lower price point, and are better suited for design software like Figma and Axure.
What are the best laptop brands for UX design?
There are several laptop brands that are popular among UI/UX designers and graphic designers, including Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and ASUS. These brands offer a variety of laptop models with varying features and price points, so it’s important to consider individual needs and budget when selecting a laptop.
Some factors to consider when choosing a brand include build quality, customer support, and overall reputation within the design community.
What are the best laptops for Figma?
When it comes to UI UX design with Figma, you need a laptop that offers seamless performance, vibrant display, and ample storage. Here are three of the best options:
- Apple MacBook Pro: Ideal for smooth, lag-free Figma designing.
- Dell XPS 15: Best for excellent display and Figma performance.
- HP Spectre x360: Top choice for Figma design on a Windows platform.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase any products. These are products I’ve personally used and stand behind.
