Finding the best laptop for photo editing on a budget can be a challenge, but it is definitely possible. The most important factor to consider is the type of processor. A laptop with a high-end processor will be able to handle more complex photo editing tasks. However, if you are on a tight budget, you may need to settle for a model with a lower-end processor.
Top 10 Best Laptop For Photo Editing On A Budget
1. Lenovo ThinkBook 15 Gen2 We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
The ideal laptop for homeworking – best budget laptop that is easy to use and reliable
- Processor: Intel Core i7 up to 11th Gen
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: SSDs up to 1TB
- Screen: 15-inch IPS LCD screen, 1920×1080
The ThinkBook 15 Gen 2 laptop is thin and lightweight at just 18.9mm and weighs a mere 1.7kg. Its corporate exterior makes it a great machine to use at work or home.
The ThinkBook 15 has a well-stocked assortment of connections in an age when physical links are scarce. The ThinkBook 15 has several up-to-date ports, including Thunderbolt 4, a USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C port, two USB-A ports, headphone/mic, LAN and HDMI ports, as well as a full-size SD card reader.
Battery life is impressive at 8 hours with the more effective 60Wh option and 6 hours with the smaller 45Wh. The screen specs of most models are impressive with Full HD 1920×1080 displays. To get the best viewing angles and accurate color and contrast, make sure you choose an IPS screen option. You can also get Full HD from a TN-based LCD screen, which is best avoided because it will not provide accurate color and contrast.
Pros
- Subtle design
- There are many configuration options
- A great selection of ports
Cons
- The price of everything is on the rise
2. HP Chromebook 14 FHD We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
This ultra-budget photo editing laptop can be used without Windows if you are able to live without it.
- Screen size: 14-inch
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- CPU: From Intel Celeron
- RAM: Starting at 4GB
- Storage: Starting at 32GB
- Battery life: up to 11 hours
This budget laptop runs ChromeOS, not Windows OS. It is designed to be extremely simple to use, and it runs Android apps from Google’s Play Store just like an Android tablet or phone. You won’t have the ability to use Windows software such as Adobe Photoshop. However, there are other options like Lightroom Mobile and Google’s Snapseed.
This Chromebook is a great deal for the price. It’s a low-cost Chromebook, but it’s still a top Chromebook. The standout feature of this Chromebook is its 14-inch Full HD 1080p display. You don’t have to worry about a narrow viewing angle or low contrast because it’s an IPS panel. The Full HD (FHD) version of the HP Chromebook 14 is recommended. We don’t think the slightly lower price is worth the significantly reduced display quality.
Read more: Chromebook vs Laptop: Which Is For You? In 2022
A laptop this inexpensive is not going to be an image-editing powerhouse. The base Intel Celeron processor and 4GB RAM, 32GB onboard storage, and 32GB of RAM provide the minimum you can do for web browsing, image viewing, HD YouTube viewing, and image viewing. The upside to such powerful hardware is a long battery life of 11 hours on a lightweight and portable device.
Pros
- Amazing price
- Fantastic screen
- Long battery life and ultra-portability
Cons
- Low base CPU speed and limited RAM
3. Acer Nitro 5 We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
This gaming laptop is super-fast and has a great screen.
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 2500U (4 cores, 2GHz base frequency)
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 1TB HDD
- Screen: 15.6 inch IPS LCD, 1920×1080
Acer’s Nitro 5 laptop line focuses on providing maximum performance at a minimal cost. Gaming is the main focus of Acer’s Nitro 5 laptop range. The exterior is heavy and functional, while you get frills such as a glowing backlit keyboard with questionable aesthetic appeal. The Nitro 5 is more than just a gaming machine. It has so much to offer other users.
There are many Nitro 5 models, but none sport a 15.6 inch Full HD IPS screen. So you don’t have to worry about getting a smaller display than you should.
The Nitro 5 is the lowest-priced option, but it still offers a quad-core AMD Ryzen 5 2500U CPU, 8GB RAM, and plenty of file storage. Other configurations are available with a faster, smaller, but less expensive SSD alternative.
Add the dedicated graphics card to this photo editing laptop and you might find a new hobby.
Pros
- High-quality screen
- Fast CPU
- Graphics card with dedicated graphics
Cons
- HDDs can take a while to load
- Relatively heavy
- Gamer look won’t suit everyone
See also: Acer Laptops For Gaming and Best i7 Laptop In The World: Dell, HP, Surface, Lenovo, Asus, Acer
4. HP Pavilion 15 Gaming Laptop We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
Another great gaming laptop, also great for photography
- Processor: From AMD Ryzen 5.
- RAM: Starting at 8GB
- Storage: Starting at 256GB SSD
- Screen: 15.6 inch IPS LCD, 1920×1080
Even if you are not a gamer, you shouldn’t overlook the gaming laptop market. Gamers demand fast performance and high-quality screens, which photographers value precisely.
This laptop comes with various processor options and at least 8GB of RAM. However, 16GB is an intelligent choice for future-proofing.
The 15.6-inch Full HD (1920×1080) IPS screen will display your photos in their full glory. To give the Pavilion 15 Gaming Laptop an authentic gaming experience or speed up your video rendering, you can also get a dedicated graphics card such as the GeForce GTX 1650 or faster.
Even the cheapest configurations of Pavilion 15 Gaming Laptop offer great value, making it a great buy.
Pros
- There are many configuration options
- Decent screen specs
- Includes dedicated graphics card
Cons
- Gaming is not for everyone.
- The screen brightness could be improved
5. Dell Inspiron 14-5000 2-in-1 We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
It’s a smaller laptop at 14 inches, but it offers great versatility.
- Processor: Intel Core i5-10210U (4 cores at 1.6GHz base frequency).
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Screen: 14-inch IPS LCD, 1920×1080,touchscreen
Do you want a tablet and a laptop in one? The Inspiron 145000 2-in-1 is an excellent choice for those who wish for many features and versatility at a reasonable price. The Full HD 14-inch screen can be flipped backward and turned around on the back of your machine to create a tablet computer. However, it is pretty thick. It can also be used as a basic pen-enabled graphics tablet. This is a rare trick in the budget market. The panel is also IPS-tech, which is excellent for high-quality photos.
The hood houses a powerful 10th generation Intel(r] Core(TM), quad-core processor with a 1.6GHz base speed and a 4.2GHz boost performance. This is paired with 8GB RAM and a generous 512GB SSD for very respectable performance all around.
There is one drawback to this 14-inch screen. It is smaller than the 15.6-inch laptop, and can lead to a fiddly Photoshop workspace. This compromise might be worth it if you value portability.
Pros
- Multifunctional flip-over screen
- Touch and Pen enabled on screen
- Storage on SSD: 512GB
Cons
- Photoshop is not suited for a 14-inch screen
6. HP Pavilion 15 We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
Ideal for extended battery life and lightweight portability
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 or higher
- RAM: Maximum 16GB
- Storage: SSDs up to 512GB
- Screen: 15.6 inch IPS LCD, 1920×1080
The HP Pavilion range includes budget-friendly models that can be used for home-working. There are many RAM and processor options, but we recommend the AMD Ryzen 5-based midrange machines for the best power-to-price ratio.
The minimum RAM available on the Pavilion 15 range is 8GB. This is sufficient for basic photo editing. You can add 16GB RAM to a few Pavilion 15 models if you need to edit large images. However, this will make it more expensive overall.
The connectivity is good for the price, with USB C, USB A, HDMI, and even an SD card reader. The 15.6-inch Full HD 1920 x1080 screen is also impressive. It is IPS-based, so that your photos will look their best.
Pros
- Ultra-portable, lightweight
- Battery life is excellent
- Large SSD storage capacity
Cons
- Top Ryzen 7-based models get pricey ( some Ryzen Laptop you can choose)
7. ASUS VivoBook S15 We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
It’s stylish and sleek but packed with power.
- Processor: Intel Core i7 up to 11th Gen
- RAM: Maximum 16GB
- Storage: SSDs up to 1TB
- Screen: 15.6 inch LCD, up to 1920×1080 IPS
The VivoBook range by Asus is quite extensive and confusing. However, if you pay attention to the specifications, getting a 15.6-inch model with a Full HD IPS screen is possible. This screen has a wide viewing angle and high contrast. This screen option is available on a variety of VivoBook S15 models. However, it is not universal, so make sure you check before you purchase.
There are many processor options, but the quad-core Intel Core i5 is cost-effective and performs well. The S15 comes with 8GB RAM and a fast but powerful 256GB SSD.
The VivoBook measures 361.4×243.5×18 mm and weighs in at 1.8kg. It is also a slim budget photo editing laptops that proves that low price doesn’t necessarily have to be low-quality.
Pros
- Elegant styling
- Decent screen specs
- Built-in card reader
Cons
- All S15 models do not have an IPS screen
8. Dell Inspiron 15 3000 2021 We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 3450U Quad-Core Processor
- RAM: Maximum 16GB
- Storage: SSDs up to 1TB
- Screen: 15.6 inch LCD, up to 1920×1080 IPS
The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 series – 16GB is our top choice for the best laptop to do photo editing. The laptop offers a great combination of features. It is powerful for its price, has excellent storage capacity, and has a high-quality screen.
The laptop is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 3450U Quad-Core processor and 16GB DDR4 RAM. These are ideal for photo editing. Standard comes with a 1TB HDD, which will store more extensive collections.
It also features AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics, which are much more powerful than the ones found on budget laptops. You also get 3 USB ports and an HDMI port. Windows Home 10 is included as standard.
Pros
- Standard 1TB HDD
- AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics
- Multiple USB and HDMI ports
Cons
- An HDD is slower than a faster SSD.
Read also: Best i7 Laptop In The World: Dell, HP, Surface, Lenovo, Asus, Acer
9. Lenovo IdeaPad 3 17.3-inch Laptop We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5500U
- RAM: 8GB RAM
- Storage: AMD Radeon7 Graphic, 512GB Storage
- Screen: 17.3-inch HD+ Display
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 17 is one of the Best Laptop For Photo Editing On A Budget. This laptop is stylish and features a slim design, a high-quality display, and many internal components that can be used for photo editing.
It delivers some of the most powerful performance for budget laptops. It is due to its 16GB DDR4 memory and AMD Ryzen 5 5500U CPU. The integrated AMD Radeon 7 graphics cards are also included. This laptop features one of the most affordable graphics cards, so you get a lot for your money.
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3, which has a 17 inch HD Plus display, is ideal for clear and concise photo editing. It has a thin edge to maximize viewing space. Additional features include Wi-Fi connectivity and Bluetooth connectivity, three USB ports, an HDMI port and an SD card reader.
Pros
- Large 17.3-inch display
- Powerful AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor
- AMD Radeon 7 integrated graphics
Cons
- Only 512GB SSD storage is available
10. HP Notebook We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
- Processor: AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
- RAM: 8GB DDR4 Memory
- Storage: 128GB SSD
- Screen: 14-inch HDSVA Micro-Edge Screen
The HP Notebook Laptop 2021 is a great choice. It is beautiful but also features excellent specifications.
This budget laptop comes with 16GB DDR4 memory. The minimum recommended memory for photo editing software is 8GB. This laptop meets or exceeds these requirements. The additional memory will speed up loading times and allow for smooth editing.
This laptop features an AMD Athlon3050U processor and high-capacity 1TB SSD storage. It is ideal for professional photo editing.
This laptop includes Windows 10 Home, an SD reader, wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, as standard. This 14-inch display features SVA antiglare technology, which allows you to view your photos without light interference.
Pros
- 16GB DDR4 memory
- SSD storage drive with high capacity 1TB SSD storage
- Features an SD card slot built in
Cons
- It is not the smallest or lightest of laptops
Buying Guide for the Best Laptop for Lightroom, Photoshop & Photo Editing
This is what you should know before purchasing a laptop for Lightroom and Photoshop. These are the most important factors to consider when looking for the best laptop for photo editing.
1. Display Size
First, choose the right size laptop for you. A 13- or 14-inch laptop is ideal for those who need a small model.
If you need a bigger screen for editing photos, 15.6 inches will do the trick. If required, you can see all the details clearly and connect to another monitor. It’s compact enough to be portable, so you can still take it around.
2. Touchscreen
Next, decide whether you want a touchscreen laptop. A touchscreen laptop is a great option for photo editing. You can easily make changes on the screen. A stylus is much more precise than a touchpad or mouse and can make it easier to edit photos.
However, a touchscreen can also increase the cost. It’s essential to think about how you like to edit your photos. Are you more comfortable using a stylus or a mouse? Will your budget allow you to buy a touchscreen laptop?
These questions will help you decide which laptop you should buy for photo editing.
3. Display Resolution
The screen resolution is another important factor. This is measured in pixels. The higher the resolution, the better. This will result in a sharper image with more intricate details. This is crucial when editing photos where you need to see every detail.
High-quality laptops usually have a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. This is also called Full HD. Premium laptops have a solution of up to 4K.
4. Color Accuracy & Gamut
Finally, the color accuracy of your screen is essential. This is the maximum number of colors that the screen can display. The more colors you have, the better your photos will turn out. As such, a laptop that offers a broad color palette is a must.
5. Processor
Your laptop’s processor is what powers it, and it should be a powerful one for photo editing. This is something you shouldn’t compromise on. You’ll need to use Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator as a photo editor.
Your laptop will require a lot of power to run smoothly. It’s not worth dealing with constant lags, delays, and crashes.
I recommend a laptop with an Intel Core i7 processor or higher if possible. The equivalent for AMD Ryzen processors can be found here.
If you have a limited budget, an Intel Core i5 might work. If you are unhappy with the performance, you might need to upgrade.
6. RAM
RAM is the memory that your laptop uses for accessing your programs and short-term files. Photo editing requires at least 8GB of RAM to allow your software to work smoothly.
16GB is preferred. It will make everything run much more smoothly. It allows you to add more layers to your images and create more complex edits.
7. Internal storage
Photographers will know how much space RAW files can take up. To store all of them, you will need large internal memory. You’ll have to back up your files and move them around on the cloud.
You shouldn’t choose less than 256GB as it could be too restrictive. Many laptops with the highest storage capacities will have at least 512 GB and even 1 TB. This is an excellent option for photographers.
8. Warranty
Make sure to check the warranty before you purchase a laptop. To be more specific, check out what the warranty covers and how long it lasts. Before you part with your money, it is essential to be informed.
9. Price
Last but not least, you want a laptop that suits your budget. It would help determine how much money you have available for your laptop for photo editing. You can then search for the best laptops within that price range.
FAQs
1. Do I need a powerful laptop for photo editing?
A powerful computer for image processing. Powerful computers that have lots of RAM and multi-core processors are required. You should not consider less than 16GB RAM; however, 32GB and 64GB will allow image editing software to run more smoothly and complete tasks faster.
2. How much RAM do I need for photo editing?
If you’re using the Creative Cloud applications, i.e., Photoshop and Lightroom Classic. RAM is second in importance because it allows the CPU to handle more tasks at once. Lightroom and Photoshop use around 1GB RAM each.
3. Is Dell Inspiron good for photo editing?
The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Series 16GB laptop is powerful and has plenty of storage. It also offers great connectivity, making it an excellent choice for photo editing. The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 series – 16GB is our top choice for the best laptop to do photo editing on a tight budget. This laptop offers a great combination of features.
Related Post:
- Dell Inspiron 15 5585 AMD Ryzen 7 3700U Mobile Processor
- Dell Precision 17 7730 Intel Core i9-8950HK
- Acer Aspire Nitro 7 10th-gen Intel Core i7 10750H
Last words
It doesn’t matter how skilled you are as a photographer. It is always lovely to save money while still having quality tools to help with your editing. Each laptop in this list is an excellent choice for a budget, and we highly recommend them. These laptops are the Best Laptop For Photo Editing On A Budget, even though there are better options.
