We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Laptops for Photo Editing 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M4 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID; Midnight

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,238
Processor (CPU)
RAM

Most important from
1034 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The M4 chip delivers a noticeable speed boost compared to previous models, enhancing overall performance.
RAM
Opting for higher memory than the base model is advisable for handling larger files and multitasking efficiently.

The Apple 2025 MacBook Air with the M4 chip is a solid choice for photo editing, especially if you value a lightweight, portable laptop with strong performance. Its 10-core CPU combined with 16GB of unified memory means it can handle photo editing software smoothly, letting you work on large files and multiple apps without much lag. The 256GB SSD storage is fast but might feel limited if you deal with many high-resolution images, so external storage could be needed. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display is a standout feature—it offers sharp detail, wide color support (P3), and true-to-life colors, which are crucial for accurate photo editing. Integrated graphics with a powerful 8-core GPU handle image rendering well, though it’s not a dedicated graphics card, so extremely demanding editing or 3D work might be less efficient compared to higher-end laptops. Battery life is excellent, up to 18 hours, allowing long work sessions without needing to recharge frequently. The MacBook Air is also very portable at just under 3 pounds, making it easy to carry around.

Connectivity includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, MagSafe charging, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, supporting fast data transfer and multiple external displays, which can be helpful if you like working with dual monitors. The integration with other Apple devices and macOS optimization for popular editing apps like Adobe Creative Cloud enhance the user experience. On the downside, the base storage might be small for heavy photo libraries, and the lack of a dedicated GPU could limit performance in more graphics-intensive tasks. Also, the price tends to be higher than Windows counterparts with similar specs. For those who prioritize color accuracy, portability, and seamless Apple ecosystem integration for photo editing, this MacBook Air presents an excellent option.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,238
Processor (CPU)
RAM

Most important from
1034 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The M4 chip delivers a noticeable speed boost compared to previous models, enhancing overall performance.
RAM
Opting for higher memory than the base model is advisable for handling larger files and multitasking efficiently.
#2

Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop | 15.6" Full HD | AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Quad-Core | AMD Radeon Graphics | 8GB LPDDR5 | 128GB NVMe SSD | Wi-Fi 6 | Windows 11 Home

Rating
9.4
Processor (CPU)
Storage
Display

Most important from
3939 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Surprisingly fast performance for its price range, suitable for coding and assignments.
Storage
Boots up quickly, with an easy setup process and smooth file transfer.
Display
Screen brightness and quality are impressive, providing a great visual experience.
Portability
Sleek design and lightweight build make it easy to carry around.
Battery Life
Battery life is reliable, lasting long enough for extended use without frequent recharges.

The Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH is a budget-friendly option for those seeking a laptop for photo editing. It features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display, which provides sharp details and vibrant colors essential for photo editing tasks. The AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Quad-Core Processor and AMD Radeon Graphics offer decent performance for basic photo editing projects, though it might struggle with more demanding tasks due to the integrated GPU and mid-range CPU.

The 8GB LPDDR5 RAM ensures smooth multitasking, but the 128GB NVMe SSD might be limiting for users with large photo libraries and software, necessitating external storage solutions. Portability is a plus, with a slim design and a weight of 3.92 pounds, making it easy to carry around. Battery life is commendable, lasting up to 11 hours, which is beneficial for long editing sessions on the go.

However, the laptop lacks a backlit keyboard, which could be a drawback for users who work in low-light environments. Additionally, the limited storage and integrated graphics may not meet the needs of professional photo editors. This laptop is more suitable for hobbyists or those new to photo editing who require a portable, affordable device with reasonable performance.

Rating
9.4
Processor (CPU)
Storage
Display

Most important from
3939 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Surprisingly fast performance for its price range, suitable for coding and assignments.
Storage
Boots up quickly, with an easy setup process and smooth file transfer.
Display
Screen brightness and quality are impressive, providing a great visual experience.
Portability
Sleek design and lightweight build make it easy to carry around.
Battery Life
Battery life is reliable, lasting long enough for extended use without frequent recharges.
#3

Dell Inspiron Touchscreen Laptop, 15.6" Business & Student Laptop Computer, Windows 11 Pro Laptop 32GB RAM 1TB SSD, Intel i5-1155G7 Processor, Full HD IPS Display, Numeric Keypad, HDMI, Carbon Black

Rating
9.1
Display
Portability
Battery Life

Most important from
565 reviews

Display
Fast performance with smooth operation and a responsive touchscreen.
Portability
Great quality fit and finish; light weight with impressive battery life.
Battery Life
Great quality fit and finish; light weight with impressive battery life.

The Dell Inspiron Touchscreen Laptop is a solid choice for photo editing within its category, thanks to its well-rounded specifications. With an Intel i5-1155G7 processor and 32GB of RAM, it offers adequate power for running photo editing software smoothly, handling multitasking effectively. The 1TB SSD provides ample storage for large files, which is particularly useful for photographers needing to save high-resolution images without worrying about space. The Full HD IPS display enhances your editing experience by providing vibrant colors and good viewing angles, while the anti-glare feature helps reduce reflections, making it easier to work in various lighting conditions.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics may not be sufficient for more demanding tasks or heavy graphic design work, limiting its capability for advanced photo editing tasks that require more powerful graphics. The 15.6-inch display, while good for general use, might feel a bit cramped for those who prefer larger screens for detailed editing. Portability-wise, it is decent, but larger models can be heavier, which may be a consideration for those frequently on the go.

Battery life is another important aspect; while not specified, users should expect average performance, which might not be ideal for long editing sessions away from a power outlet. Lastly, while it's designed with business in mind, photo editing might require additional software setup, which may not be pre-installed.

Rating
9.1
Display
Portability
Battery Life

Most important from
565 reviews

Display
Fast performance with smooth operation and a responsive touchscreen.
Portability
Great quality fit and finish; light weight with impressive battery life.
Battery Life
Great quality fit and finish; light weight with impressive battery life.

Buying Guide for the Best Laptops for Photo Editing

Choosing the right laptop for photo editing is crucial to ensure you have a smooth and efficient workflow. Photo editing requires a machine that can handle high-resolution images and complex software without lagging or crashing. When selecting a laptop for this purpose, you need to consider several key specifications that will impact your editing experience. Here are the most important specs to look at and how to choose the best fit for your needs.
Processor (CPU)The processor is the brain of your laptop and determines how quickly and efficiently it can run software and perform tasks. For photo editing, a powerful CPU is essential because editing software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom can be demanding. Look for laptops with at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor. If you work with very large files or do extensive editing, consider an Intel Core i7 or i9, or AMD Ryzen 7 or 9 for better performance.
RAMRAM (Random Access Memory) is crucial for multitasking and handling large files. More RAM allows your laptop to run multiple applications smoothly and manage high-resolution images without slowing down. For photo editing, a minimum of 8GB RAM is recommended, but 16GB or more is ideal if you frequently work with large files or use multiple programs simultaneously.
StorageStorage determines how much data you can keep on your laptop. For photo editing, you need fast and ample storage to save your projects and access them quickly. Solid State Drives (SSD) are preferred over Hard Disk Drives (HDD) because they are faster and more reliable. Aim for at least 256GB SSD, but 512GB or 1TB SSD is better if you store a lot of high-resolution images and videos.
DisplayThe display is critical for photo editing as it affects how accurately you can see and edit your images. Look for a laptop with a high-resolution screen (at least Full HD, but 4K is ideal) and good color accuracy (look for IPS panels and high color gamut coverage like Adobe RGB or sRGB). A larger screen size (15 inches or more) can also be beneficial for detailed work.
Graphics Card (GPU)A dedicated graphics card can significantly improve the performance of photo editing software, especially when working with complex effects and large files. While integrated graphics can handle basic tasks, a dedicated GPU like NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon is recommended for smoother performance. Look for laptops with at least a mid-range GPU if you do extensive editing.
Battery LifeBattery life is important if you plan to edit photos on the go. A laptop with longer battery life allows you to work without constantly needing to recharge. Look for laptops that offer at least 6-8 hours of battery life under normal usage. Keep in mind that intensive photo editing can drain the battery faster, so consider your typical usage patterns.
PortabilityPortability is a consideration if you need to carry your laptop frequently. Lightweight and slim designs are easier to transport, but ensure they still meet your performance needs. Ultrabooks can be a good choice for portability without sacrificing too much power.
ConnectivityGood connectivity options are essential for transferring files and connecting peripherals. Look for laptops with multiple USB ports (preferably USB-C), an SD card reader, and HDMI output. Thunderbolt 3 ports can be beneficial for faster data transfer and connecting high-resolution monitors.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now