15 Top Laptops for Architects and Designers (NEW for 2024)
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Planning to upgrade your workstation for the new year? Looking to invest in a quality device that will assist in all your real-time visualizations, renderings and photo editing? We are back with our annual catalog of laptops and mobile workstations best suited for architects and designers. With work from home continuing to triumph, the necessity for a well-performing laptop remains true. But even more so for architects, who require ample storage, great processors and advanced graphic cards for their dynamic types of work. Luckily, there’s a great lineup of newly released devices to pick from, and there’s something for everyone.
Without further ado, here are the best picks from this past year:
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Premium Laptops for Architects
Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2
Best Mobile Workstation for Architects
The Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2 stands out as a top-tier workstation for architects in 2024, offering cutting-edge features that simplify the design process. Powered by the 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700HX Processor, this mobile workstation can handle complex tasks with ease. Generous RAM and a spacious SSD ensure quick data access and smooth multitasking. A 16″ anti-glare display with high-resolution graphics delivers vivid visuals — crucial for design accuracy and enhanced rendering capabilities.
Connectivity options include Thunderbolt ports, USB options, HDMI and more, allowing for versatility in external device integration. The device can support up to three external monitors, making it the perfect workstation for designers who use multiple screens at a time. Certified for popular software like AutoCAD and SolidWorks, The ThinkPad P16 Gen 2 guarantees optimal performance, offering architects power, reliability and innovation all in one sleek package.
MSI 2024 Newest Katana 17 Gaming Laptop
Best Gaming Laptops for Architects
The MSI 2024 Newest Katana 17 Gaming Laptop is the go-to gaming laptop for architects in 2024. Driven by the potent 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13620H, with 10 cores and 12 threads, architects can navigate complex design and rendering software, ensuring an efficient creative process. The 17.3-inch FHD display, featuring a 144Hz refresh rate, offers a clear and smooth visual experience that goes way beyond the abilities of traditional computing. This display enables architects to see their designs in a more lifelike manner, with materials and textures appearing more vivid and detailed, bringing a new level of realism to their work.
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, featuring advanced ray-tracing, ensures architects create strikingly realistic visuals. Its ability to accurately simulate light behavior enhances how materials and textures appear in designs, giving architects a true-to-life representation of their projects. Lastly, with up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM and expandable storage of up to 4TB, it’s the perfect machine for storing and handling large files.
Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Intel (14″)
Best Thin / Portable Laptop for Architects
The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Intel (14″) presents an ideal laptop for architects who are looking for both sleek design and functionality. Despite its light weight of 3.09 pounds and thin profile at just 0.6 inches, this laptop doesn’t compromise on power. It’s equipped with a 3.7 GHz Core i7 processor and 16GB of DDR5 RAM, offering both speed and efficiency for handling demanding architectural software.
The 14-inch touchscreen, supported by Pen input, adds a layer of interactivity, making it easier for architects to sketch or annotate directly on their designs. The integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics, while not as powerful as dedicated gaming or workstation GPUs, still delivers decent graphic capabilities suitable for most architectural tasks. Besides portability and flexibility, the Lenovo Yoga series has a notably decent battery performance, aligning with the needs of mobile professionals.
ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16
Best Multi-Screen Laptop for Architects
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 stands out as a top-tier multi-screen laptop for architects, offering exceptional utility in design work. Its dual-screen setup is a game-changer, allowing architects to view and work on multiple applications at once, without the need for an additional monitor. The primary 16.0″ Wide UXGA (1920×1200) 165Hz Touchscreen Display offers a large and precise workspace, essential for detailed architectural tasks.
Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 6800H Octa-Core processor and GeForce RTX 3060 6GB GDDR6 graphics, the Zephyrus Duo 16 excels in rendering and visualization, making it a solid choice for demanding architectural software.
Designed for high-speed multitasking, this laptop combines impressive power with substantial storage capacity that makes it ideal for managing large files with ease.
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Architects
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is a great 2-in-1 option for architects in 2024, easily switching between a laptop and a tablet. This flexibility is ideal for architects who need a device that can adapt to different types of work. The laptop features a 14.4” PixelSense Flow touchscreen with Dolby Vision IQ, offering vivid colors and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This makes it great for detailed design work and photo editing, giving architects a clear and immersive visual experience.
It’s equipped with an Intel® Core™ i7 processor and 16GB RAM, handling demanding architectural software well. The Surface Laptop Studio 2 can also handle multitasking with ease, supporting up to 64GB RAM and up to 2TB of fast SSD storage. With up to 18 hours of battery life, it’s designed for long work sessions. It’s compatible with pen input for sketching or annotating, though it’s important to note that the pen is sold separately.
Best Laptop for Architects by Brand
ASUS 2023 ProArt StudioBook 16 OLED Laptop
Best ASUS Laptop for Architects
The ASUS 2023 ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED Laptop qualifies as ASUS’s top pick for architects in 2024. Powered by the latest 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i9 HX processor and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070 graphics, it’s ideal for detailed drafting and rendering. This laptop features a 16-inch 3.2K 120Hz OLED touchscreen known for its color accuracy, which can be crucial for architects. Another standout feature is its 28% larger haptic touchpad, which supports stylus input for enhanced control in design applications.
Connectivity is easy and versatile, thanks to a full deck of ports including Thunderbolt™ 4 USB-C®, USB 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI® 2.1, and SD Express 7.0. And for the architects who are always on the move, the ultrafast WiFi 6E (802.11ax) ensures a smooth online collaboration.
Dell XPS 17 (2023)
Best Dell Laptop for Architects
The XPS 17 is Dell’s top performer for architects in 2024, offering features that perfectly meet demanding design needs. Its standout 17-inch UHD+ InfinityEdge Touch Display with 500-Nit brightness offers architects a studio-quality visual workspace, making designs come to life with stunning clarity. Powered by the 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 graphics, the laptop is built to handle complex tasks. With 2 TB of fast SSD storage and 64GB DDR5 memory, it’s the perfect pick for architects who need to multitask and manage larger files.
Created specifically for creators, the XPS 17 is an ideal choice for architectural photographers and videographers, thanks to its high-resolution display and powerful graphics capabilities. Its full SD card slot is particularly convenient for importing high-quality images and videos.
A bonus is Dell’s eco-conscious approach, using sustainable materials and promoting responsible recycling. Plus, with the Dell Performance app, architects can customize the laptop’s performance across various modes — quiet, ultra-performance, cool or optimized. This flexibility allows for a personalized balance between performance, thermal management and acoustics, adapting to different phases of creative work.
Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Gen 8
Best Lenovo Laptop for Architects
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Gen 8 is a standout choice for architects in 2024, offering AI-enhanced performance that’s perfect for design work. It’s equipped with the powerful 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700HX processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU, which provide more than enough power for architectural tasks, from complex 3D modeling to detailed rendering.
With its fast SSD storage and 16 GB of DDR5-4800MHz memory, the laptop ensures quick loading times and efficient handling of large files — a must-have for multitasking in demanding architectural projects. The Legion ColdFront 5.0 cooling technology keeps the laptop at the optimal temperature, even during intensive use, which is crucial for maintaining performance during long design sessions.
Architects will appreciate the high-refresh-rate 16″ WQXGA display, offering crisp and clear visuals for precise design work, and the Legion TrueStrike Keyboard for comfortable, accurate typing and command input. Running on Windows 11 Home, the interface is user-friendly, facilitating a smooth workflow for architects. All in all, the Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Gen 8 blends gaming-grade power with features beneficial for drafting and modeling, making it a versatile and powerful tool for all architects.
HP ZBook Studio G10 16″ Mobile Workstation
Best HP Laptop for Architects
The HP ZBook Studio G10 16″ Mobile Workstation is HP’s leading choice for architects in 2024, balancing power and portability for design work. Powered by an Intel® Core™ i9 processor and high-end graphics, it effortlessly handles complex designs and real-time rendering. Its sleek, light design, coupled with a durable battery and AI Noise Suppression, makes it ideal for on-the-go productivity. Featuring a 16-inch display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, it minimizes scrolling and vividly showcases projects.
This workstation is also equipped with an NVIDIA RTX™ GPU, a customizable RGB keyboard, and Z Light Space software, allowing for detailed rendering and color accuracy. With a variety of ports including Thunderbolt™ 4 USB-C®, USB 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI® 2.1, and WiFi 6E (802.11ax), it ensures easy connectivity. Running on Windows 11 with advanced collaboration tools and security features, the ZBook Studio G10 offers architects a comprehensive, high-performance solution from HP.
MacBook Pro 16 M3
Best Apple Laptop (MacBook) for Architects
For Mac enthusiasts in the architectural field, the MacBook Pro 16 M3 is definitely the top choice in 2024. It’s a leap forward in Mac laptop innovation, equipped with the M3 Pro and M3 Max chips, making it a powerhouse for even the most demanding architectural projects. Historically, Apple’s lineup has had some constraints in terms of supporting architectural software, but there’s been considerable improvement in this area. Yet, it’s important to keep in mind that certain widely-used programs, such as Revit and Microstation, may still not be compatible with Mac.
The laptop offers an incredible battery life of up to 22 hours, which is a big plus for architects working long hours. Its Liquid Retina XDR display delivers stunning visual quality, essential for detailed work. This particular model is a custom configuration, boosted with the Apple M3 Max chip that includes a 14-core CPU and 30-core GPU. Combined with 96GB of unified memory and a huge 2TB SSD, it’s tailor-made for handling intense design tasks and managing large files.
Adding to its appeal, the MacBook Pro 16 M3 comes in a new sleek Space Black color, offering both exceptional performance and a stylish appearance. For architects who are loyal to Apple’s ecosystem and need a laptop that combines high performance with a premium design experience, the MacBook Pro 16 M3 is an unparalleled choice.
Best Budget Laptops for Architects
Lenovo LOQ Gaming Laptop, 15.6″
Best Laptop for Architects Under $1100
In the ever-evolving field of architecture, finding a laptop that balances cost and performance is key. The Lenovo LOQ Gaming Series stands as an excellent choice for architects seeking affordability without sacrificing power. Equipped with the Intel 13th Gen 8-Core i5-13420H processor, this laptop handles demanding architectural software with ease. It’s perfect for everything from 3D modeling to complex CAD applications. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card ensures detailed and smooth renderings, a crucial aspect for visualizing architectural designs.
With 64GB DDR5 RAM, multitasking with this laptop is a breeze. The 2TB SSD offers extensive storage, ideal for large project files while ensuring quick access to data. The 15.6″ FHD display provides clarity and precision for detailed designs, beneficial for long hours of work that are definitely not uncommon for architects. All in all, the Lenovo LOQ Gaming Laptop is a standout choice in the budget category. It adeptly combines processing power, graphic capabilities and storage, making it well-suited for a range of architectural tasks.
Dell Inspiron 14
Best Laptop for Architects under $900
Priced at $849.99 the Dell Inspiron 14 stands out as a professional-grade choice for architects. It balances high-end performance with a sleek, portable design, making it ideal for architects on a budget who need power and mobility. This laptop is powered by an Intel Core i7-12700H processor, capable of handling demanding design tasks such as complex rendering and detailed CAD work. The Intel Iris Xe Graphics, though not as powerful as dedicated gaming GPUs, still offers decent performance for architectural visualization.
Featuring a 14-inch 2.2K display, the Inspiron 14 Plus provides exceptional clarity and a higher pixel density, advantageous for detailed design work. With 16GB DDR5 RAM and a 1TB SSD, it ensures smooth multitasking and plenty of storage for large project files. While gaming laptops like the Lenovo LOQ and Acer Nitro 5 offer more powerful graphics options, the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7420 offers a more professional aesthetic and a higher resolution display, making it a great fit for architects who value performance, display quality and a business-friendly design.
HP Victus 15
Best Laptop for Architects under $800
Starting at only $574.00 the HP Victus 15.6″ Gaming Laptop is a solid budget-friendly option for architects. Its various configurations allow for customization to suit different professional needs and budgets. The base model comes with an Intel Core i5-12450H Processor, suitable for standard architectural tasks and the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphic card, adequate for basic rendering. If this seems insufficient, higher configurations include the i5-13420H and the RTX 3050, offering enhanced performance for more demanding software and detailed architectural visualizations. The 15.6″ screen ensures clear visualization of designs, crucial for detailed architectural work.
Starting with 8GB RAM and a 512GB SSD, the HP Victus provides efficient multitasking and storage for moderate workloads. Higher configurations offer up to 32GB RAM and 2TB SSD, catering to more intensive usage and larger project files. All in all, the base HP Victus model is an affordable gaming laptop choice for architects with less intensive software needs. The base model of the HP Victus at $574.00 is an affordable choice for architects with less intensive software needs. Meanwhile, the higher configurations offer performance closer to the Lenovo LOQ and Acer Nitro 5, making the HP Victus a versatile range suitable for a wide array of architectural tasks.
Acer Nitro 5
Best Laptop for Architects under $700
Another great budget-friendly choice for architects is the Acer Nitro 5. Starting just below $700, this laptop is ideal for professionals needing powerful capabilities without a significant financial cost. The Nitro 5 comes in a variety of configurations, allowing for customization based on individual needs and budget. Ranging from the Intel Core i5-12500H to the more powerful i7 models, the i5 is suitable for standard architectural tasks, while the i7 variants offer enhanced performance for more demanding software and complex rendering.
Options include the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 and more advanced RTX 3050Ti or 4050 models. The RTX 3050 is capable of basic rendering, but the 3050Ti and 4050 provide better graphics processing for detailed architectural visualizations. A 15.6″ FHD display ensures clarity for detailed design work. It comes with 8GB DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, which provides efficient multitasking and storage.
While the Acer Nitro 5 and Lenovo LOQ both feature the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050, the Lenovo has a more advanced 13th Gen Intel processor compared to the 12th Gen in the Nitro 5. The Lenovo also edges ahead in terms of memory and storage. However, the Nitro 5’s lower starting price and configuration options make it an appealing choice for those with tighter budgets.
Acer Swift 3
Best Laptop for Architects under $600
For architects on a tight budget, the Acer Swift 3 SF314-44-R3ZM offers an ultra-budget option starting at just $570. This economical configuration features an AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor and 8GB of RAM, suitable for basic architectural tasks. However, if this isn’t sufficient, the Acer Swift 3 provides a range of configurations to cater to various needs.
For $790, you can get a model with an AMD Ryzen 5 5625U processor and 16GB of RAM, offering balanced performance for architects seeking affordability and capability. For those architects who prioritize power, there’s a $696 version with an AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor and 16GB of RAM, offering excellent performance without breaking the bank, making it ideal for tasks like 3D modeling and architectural visualization.
Top Laptops for Architects and Designers in 2023
Premium Laptops for Architects:
Best Mobile Workstation for Architects: HP ZBook Firefly G9 Mobile Workstation
Best Gaming Laptops for Architects: Dell Alienware m15 R7 Gaming Laptop
Best Touchscreen Laptop for Architects: Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 9i 14’’ Laptop
Best Multi-Screen Laptop for Architects: ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 Gaming Laptop
Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Architects: Microsoft Surface Pro 9
Best Laptops for Architects By Brand
Best HP Laptop for Architects: HP ZBook Fury G8 Mobile Workstation
Best Dell Laptop for Architects: Dell Inspiron 15.6’’ FHD Touchscreen Laptop
Best Lenovo Laptop for Architects: Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 5 Laptop
Best MSI Laptop for Architects: MSI 2022 GE76 Raider 17.3″ 144 Hz FHD Gaming Laptop
Best Apple Laptop for Architects: Apple 2022 MacBook Pro Laptop with M2 chip
Budget Laptops for Architects and Designers:
Best Laptop for Architects Under $900: Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 Laptop
Best Laptop for Architects Under $800: HP 2023 17.3″ FHD Laptop
Best Laptop for Architects Under $700: Acer 2022 Aspire 5 Slim Laptop 15.6″
Top Laptops for Architects and Designers in 2022
Premium Laptops for Architects
Best Mobile Workstation for Architects –HP ZBook Studio G8 15.6″ Mobile Workstation
Best Gaming Laptop for Architects – Razer Blade Pro 17
Best Touchscreen Laptop for Architects – Microsoft Surface Pro 8
Best Multi-Screen Laptop for Architects – ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 Laptop
Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Architects – Samsung Galaxy Book Flex2 Alpha 2-in-1 Laptop
Best Laptops for Architects By Brand
Best HP Laptop for Architects – HP OMEN 15 Laptop
Best Dell Laptop for Architects – Dell Alienware 51M R2 Gaming Laptop
Best Lenovo Laptop for Architects – Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 Business Laptop
Best MSI Laptop for Architects – MSI GE76 17.3″ 144Hz IPS FHD Premium Gaming Laptop
Best Apple Laptop for Architects – Apple MacBook Pro (16-inch)
Budget Laptops for Architects
Best Laptop for Architects Under $900 – HP Pavilion 17 Laptop
Best Laptop for Architects Under $800 – Lenovo IdeaPad 3
Best Laptop for Architects Under $700 – Dell Inspiron 3000 Laptop
Best Laptop for Architects Under $600 – ASUS VivoBook 14″ FHD Laptop
Best Laptop for Architects Under $500 – Apple Macbook Pro (13-inch)
Top Laptops for Architects and Designers in 2021
Premium Laptops for Architects:
Best Mobile Workstation for Architects: HP ZBook Studio G5
Best Gaming Laptop for Architects: Asus ROG Zephyrus Laptop
Best Flippable Laptop for Architects: Dell Inspiron 13 7000
Best Laptop / Tablet Combo for Architects: Microsoft Surface Book 3
Best Lenovo Laptop for Architects: Lenovo ThinkPad P73
Best MSI Laptop for Architects: MSI GS66 Stealth
Best Samsung Laptop for Architects: Samsung Notebook 9 Pro
Best Apple Laptop for Architects: Apple Macbook Pro 16-Inch
Affordable Laptops for Architects:
Best Laptop for Architects Under $800: HP 15 Laptop
Best Laptop for Architects Under $700: Dell Inspiron 15
Best Laptop for Architects Under $600: Acer Aspire 5
Best Laptop for Architects Under $500: Lenovo IdeaPad 3
Other Considerations
Mac vs. Windows: In terms of hardware and operating system, it all comes down to your personal preference. High-end Apple and PC laptops are well geared to handle the challenges offered by the job. Windows 10 is arguably more user friendly as it supports a wide array of software but is exposed to more viruses than Mac. The Macbook Pro in particular is well perceived by professionals as being great for graphic applications but is considered by many to be overpriced. That said, Apple makes our list this year, thanks to improvements to Parallels, which allows Windows software to be run on Mac. Andy Roehl, architect at Moonlight Design Studio, LLC, asserts that “running parallels on a current Apple laptop is no problem; [it works] much better now than 10+ years ago.”
Gaming laptops: A growing trend within the architecture and design professions is the adoption of gaming laptops, thanks to their powerful specifications. Built to handle incredibly detailed graphics and demanding streaming requirements, the processing power of gaming laptops make them ideal for BIM and architectural visualization tasks, and often cost less than top-of-the-range mobile workstations. Marsha McDonald, Principal Designer and CEO of Seacrest Designs and Decor, sums it up perfectly: “If my kids are fighting me for my system (they are gamers), then I know I am golden!”
Ports and peripherals: “For peripherals,” says Christiana Copper, Project Manager at TyE Bar, LLC, “my favorite mouse is the Logitech G602 – I program canned email responses on the programmable buttons, but you could probably do CAD macros as well. I also bought monitor arms this year, and I am really enjoying them.” Consider how many USB ports, ethernet ports and other specialist ports you might need; this will vary depending on your preference for wired or wireless peripheral such as computer mice, touch pads and external hard drives.
Useful Accessories:
Vertical / Ergonomic Mouse: Allow your hand to rest at a more natural angle on the mouse, easing your muscles.
External monitor: By displaying the screen closer to your eye level, this addition to your home office makes it easier to catch details while reducing neck and back pain.
Laptop Stand: A helpful way to keep your device from overheating, these stands also allow you to adjust your laptop screen to a comfortable height. To maximize the benefits, this stand is best when accompanied by an external keyboard that keep the keys at a convenient level for your wrists.
Portable External SSD: An external hard drive is a high power way to manage archives and keep your laptop storage neat and spacious.
Got your own view on which is the best laptop for architects and architecture students? Let us know at editorial@architizer.com.
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