Looking for the best budget laptop to run Photoshop and Illustrator effortlessly? We understand how crucial it is to find a device that balances performance and affordability, especially when handling intensive applications like Adobe Suite.
In the crowded tech market, identifying the perfect match can be daunting, but worry not! We have rigorously tested multiple laptops in our lab and narrowed it down to the top 5 that not only deliver impressive performance but also won’t break the bank.
Whether your search is for the cheapest laptop for Adobe Illustrator or a cost-effective solution for Photoshop, we’ve got you covered. This comprehensive review aims to guide you through these value-for-money laptops, deeply diving into their pros and cons and why they might be the right fit for your digital artwork needs.
What is the Best budget laptop for Photoshop and Illustrator?
1.MSI Creator 17 Professional Laptop Review:(Best budget laptop for Photoshop and Illustrator)

Brand: MSI | Model: Creator 17 B11UE-471 | Screen Size: 17.3 inches | CPU: Intel Core i7 | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD | Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 | Operating System: Windows 10 Home
The MSI Creator 17 Professional Laptop is a gem amongst budget laptops for Photoshop and Illustrator. With a 17.3″ UHD 120Hz 100% DCI-P3 display, it offers a vibrant colour range and quick response time, making it an ideal option for those needing a cheap laptop for Photoshop.
Equipped with an 11th Gen. Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060, it effortlessly handles demanding creative workflows. This power, coupled with the MSI exclusive Cooler Boost Technology for optimal thermal dissipation, guarantees stable performance even during long work sessions.
What sets this laptop apart is its portability. Despite its robust performance capabilities, it comes in a lightweight frame and features a 99Whr battery – making it perfect for on-the-go creators. Various I/O ports, including Thunderbolt 4, allow for versatile connections and data transfers.
However, the MSI Creator 17 isn’t a gaming powerhouse. While it can handle some emulators, it struggles with AAA games, even at 1080p resolution. And although it comes with 8GB of VRAM, only 7GB is usable. Thus, there might be better choices than this if you seek a budget laptop for Adobe Illustrator that can double as a portable gaming unit.
Pros:
- Vibrant 17.3″ UHD display is ideal for photo and video editing.
- Powerful Intel Core i7 processor can handle heavy rendering loads.
- Equipped with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 for optimal graphic performance.
- The lightweight chassis and long-lasting battery make it highly portable.
- Cooler Boost Technology ensures optimal thermal dissipation.
Cons:
- Not suited for AAA gaming.
- Only 7GB of 8GB VRAM is usable.
Conclusion:
The MSI Creator 17 Professional Laptop shines as one of the best budget laptops for Photoshop and Illustrator users. Its vibrant display, robust processor, and exclusive cooling technology make it suitable for intensive graphic tasks. Despite its limitations in gaming, it offers exceptional value for creators on a budget. Remember to wait for sales to get the best deal on this device.
2.Apple MacBook Pro Review: (Best budget laptop for Photoshop and Illustrator)

Brand: Apple | Model: 2021 MacBook Pro | Screen Size: 14 inches | CPU: M1 Pro with 8-core CPU and 14-core GPU | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB SSD | Operating System: MacOS | Graphics Card: Integrated
The 2021 MacBook Pro, equipped with a 14-inch screen and the M1 Pro chip, is an excellent fit for professionals seeking a budget laptop for Adobe Illustrator. It features up to a 10-core CPU and a 32-core GPU, enabling up to 3.7x faster performance and 13x faster graphics, respectively. This laptop can handle anything from Photoshop to intensive pro workflows with ease.
The MacBook Pro’s standout feature is the M1 Pro chip, delivering exceptional performance while ensuring minimal heat generation. The stunning 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with high contrast ratio makes every pixel pop. The 1080p FaceTime HD camera with an advanced image signal processor also ensures high-quality video calls, perfect for remote work or collaboration.
Despite its professional-grade capabilities, the MacBook Pro is heavier and thicker than previous models. This is fine, but it could be a minor setback for those prioritizing ultra-portability.
Pros:
- Exceptional processing power with M1 Pro chip.
- Stunning 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display.
- Superfast SSD storage for quick app launching and file access.
- High-quality 1080p FaceTime HD camera.
- Six-speaker sound system for high-quality audio.
Cons:
- Heavier and thicker compared to previous models.
- MacOS may not be suitable for all users, especially those comfortable with Windows.
Conclusion:
The 2021 MacBook Pro has proven to be a robust contender as a cheap laptop for Photoshop and Illustrator. With its impressive M1 Pro chip, high-quality display, and excellent processing capabilities, it has rightfully earned a 5-star rating. Despite being slightly bulkier, its high-performance features and value for money make it an excellent choice for professionals.
3.Lenovo Ideapad L340 Gaming Laptop Review: (Best budget laptop for Photoshop and Illustrator)

Brand: Lenovo | Model: Ideapad L340 | Screen Size: 15.6 inches | CPU: Intel Core i5-9300H | RAM: 8GB DDR4 | Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD | Operating System: Windows 10 | Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
The Lenovo Ideapad L340, featuring a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display, is a great choice for those seeking a budget laptop for Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. It has a 9th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and a 512GB NVMe SSD, promising smooth performance and fast data access.
The laptop has an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, making it a valuable tool for creative professionals working with graphics-intensive applications. The 1920 x 1080 resolution display ensures vibrant and crisp visuals, a major boon for photo editing or designing work. Lenovo has integrated advanced Dolby Audio technology into this laptop, providing an immersive audio experience.
Despite its many benefits, the Lenovo Ideapad L340 isn’t the lightest laptop, making portability a potential issue. Additionally, the 8GB RAM might be limiting for heavy multitasking.
Pros:
- Powerful 9th-generation Intel Core i5 processor.
- Impressive NVIDIA GeForce Graphics.
- Stunning full HD IPS Display.
- Advanced Dolby audio technology for enhanced sound.
- ‘Quick’ Mode for gaming and ‘Quiet’ Mode for working.
Cons:
- Weight may impact portability.
- 8GB RAM could be limiting for heavy multitasking.
Conclusion:
The Lenovo Ideapad L340 is a reliable choice among the cheapest laptops for Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop users. It delivers powerful performance, a vibrant display, and robust graphics capabilities at a competitive price. While there might be minor issues with portability and multitasking capacity, its overall performance and value-for-money proposition make it a worthy contender for creatives and professionals alike.
4.HP Victus Gaming Laptop Review: (Best budget laptop for Photoshop and Illustrator)

Brand: HP | Model: Victus | Screen Size: 15.6 inches | CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800H | RAM: 16 GB DDR4 | Storage: 4 GB SSD | Operating System: Windows 11 Home | Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
The HP Victus is a potent contender when considering the best budget laptop for Photoshop and Illustrator. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 5800H mobile processor and packed with 16 GB DDR4 memory, it offers desktop-level performance and extensive multitasking capabilities.
The graphics are handled by NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop GPU, a feature that adds immense value to any creative professional working with graphics-heavy software like Adobe Illustrator. Coupled with a 144Hz refresh rate and 1080p resolution display, it delivers smooth, crisp graphics, ensuring a visually satisfying experience.
While the HP Victus is a robust performer, it does have some drawbacks. Users have reported a high-pitched whistle when the fans operate at high speed, which may be distracting. The absence of an indicator for the Num Lock key is also a minor yet noticeable inconvenience.
Pros:
- Robust AMD Ryzen 7 5800H mobile processor.
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop GPU for stunning graphics.
- High refresh rate and resolution for smoother gameplay and image work.
- All-in-one keyboard with an enlarged touchpad for convenience.
- Improved thermal design, ensuring efficient cooling.
Cons:
- High-pitched noise from the fans at high speed.
- No Num Lock indicator.
Conclusion:
Despite minor drawbacks, the HP Victus stands as a strong candidate among cheap laptops for Photoshop and Illustrator. Its potent processor, superior graphics capabilities, and high-resolution display make it an attractive choice for creative professionals, providing great value for money.
5.Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop Review: (Best budget laptop for Photoshop and Illustrator)

Brand: Acer | Model: A515-54-59W2 | Screen Size: 15.6 inches | CPU: Intel Core i5 | RAM: 8 GB DDR4 | Storage: 256 GB SSD | Operating System: Windows 10 Home | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620
The Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop makes a compelling argument as one of the best budget laptops for Photoshop and Illustrator. Powered by a 10th Gen Intel Core i5-10210U processor and 8GB DDR4 memory, it effortlessly runs resource-intensive applications like Adobe Illustrator.
The 15.6″ Full HD LED-backlit IPS Display ensures a vibrant and clear graphic representation, which is important for creatives. With a snappy 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD, you can expect fast boot-ups, minimal loading times, and swift file transfers. This budget laptop’s strength extends to its slim, light, and sturdy build, boasting an aluminum top cover that exudes a quality feel.
Yet, there are some design choices that could be more optimal. The speakers are positioned underneath the laptop, which can cause muffled audio when the laptop is on a flat surface. The absence of a side fan also raises thermal concerns, as hot air could get trapped beneath the laptop.
Pros:
- High-performing Intel Core i5 processor.
- Fast and efficient 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD.
- Clear, vibrant 15.6″ Full HD display.
- Slim, lightweight, and sturdy build.
- Simple setup and fast startup.
Cons:
- Sub-optimal speaker positioning leads to muffled audio.
- Potential thermal issues due to lack of side fan.
Conclusion:
Despite minor design flaws, the Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop offers an affordable solution for creatives seeking a capable laptop for Photoshop and Illustrator. The potent processor, vibrant display, and swift SSD storage make it an excellent choice among cheap laptops for Adobe software, providing significant value for the cost.
Buying Guide: Best Budget Laptops for Photoshop and Illustrator
The finest cheap laptop for Photoshop and Illustrator should take into account a number of important elements. Although there are affordable laptops for Photoshop that can run Adobe’s resource-intensive program, a few essential qualities will guarantee a smooth creative process.
Processor:
Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop demand powerful CPUs. An Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, as a minimum, is recommended. These processors can handle complex tasks swiftly, ensuring a smooth workflow.
RAM:
A minimum of 8GB RAM is necessary for running Adobe software efficiently. However, if your budget allows, opt for 16GB. More RAM means better performance, particularly when working with high-resolution images or multiple layers.
Storage:
SSDs are faster than traditional HDDs, which means quicker startups, load times, and file transfers. Opt for at least 256GB SSD for better performance. If your budget allows, a larger SSD will give you more space for storing those large Photoshop and Illustrator files.
Display:
Look for a laptop with at least Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. This ensures clearer, sharper images – a crucial aspect when working with graphic design software. IPS displays offer better color accuracy and wider viewing angles, another important factor for designers.
Graphics:
While an integrated graphics card can run Photoshop and Illustrator, a dedicated one will improve performance. A laptop with a dedicated graphics card is essential if you’re working on 3D models or using GPU-accelerated effects.
Remember, the cheapest laptop for Adobe Illustrator may not necessarily be the best. Balancing budget with the necessary specs will lead to a machine capable of running graphic-intensive applications efficiently, ensuring your creativity isn’t hindered by hardware limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Budget Laptops for Photoshop and Illustrator
What are the essential specs for the best budget laptop for Photoshop and Illustrator?
For a smooth Adobe experience, ensure your laptop has a powerful processor (Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 minimum), at least 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD storage, a Full HD IPS display, and a dedicated graphics card if you can stretch your budget.
Can I find a cheap laptop for Photoshop that still performs well?
Even budget laptops can handle Photoshop if they have the right specs. An Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD storage, and a Full HD IPS display are all essential for a decent Photoshop experience.
Is a dedicated graphics card necessary in a laptop for Adobe Illustrator?
While Adobe Illustrator can run on integrated graphics, a dedicated graphics card will improve performance. This is especially true when working with 3D models or using GPU-accelerated effects.
Why is SSD storage preferred in the cheapest laptop for Adobe Illustrator?
SSDs are faster than traditional HDDs. They offer quicker startups, load times, and file transfers, providing a seamless experience while working on extensive Illustrator or Photoshop projects.
What kind of display should I look for in a budget laptop for Photoshop and Illustrator?
A laptop with at least Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution ensures clearer, sharper images – crucial for graphic design. IPS displays are preferable as they offer better color accuracy and wider viewing angles, which designers need.
Conclusion:
Choosing the best budget laptop for Photoshop and Illustrator requires thoughtful consideration of various factors like the processor, RAM, storage, and display. Even on a tight budget, finding capable machines that ensure a smooth, efficient Adobe experience is possible.
While a dedicated graphics card can improve performance, it is only necessary if you’re handling GPU-intensive tasks. Prioritize SSD storage for speed and an IPS display for color accuracy.
With careful research and comparison, you can find an affordable laptop that doesn’t compromise performance or features, making your creative journey seamless and enjoyable.
You can know more. Which are the Best budget laptop for Photoshop and Illustrator?
If you have any laptop that is not reviewed in this article, you can let me know in the comment box. I will try to review it in the next update.