When it comes to photo editing, having the right tools is essential to achieving the desired results. One of the most important tools is a laptop with the necessary features to handle the demands of photo editing software. However, not everyone has the budget to invest in a high-end laptop. That’s where the best laptop for photo editing on a budget comes in.
When looking for a budget laptop for photo editing, there are a few critical things to keep in mind. The first is the laptop’s processing power. A laptop with a powerful processor will be able to handle demanding photo editing software without lagging or crashing. The second is the laptop’s display. A laptop with a high-resolution display that accurately represents colors is crucial for photo editing. Finally, storage is also important as photo files can take up a lot of space.
We spent hours researching and testing several budget laptops to identify the best laptop for photo editing on a budget. In this article, we’ll share our findings and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Best Laptops for Photo Editing on a Budget
We understand the importance of having a reliable laptop for photo editing, but we also know that not everyone has the budget for high-end models. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best laptops for photo editing on a budget. Our top picks are based on their performance, display quality, and affordability. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a hobbyist, these laptops will help you achieve your creative vision without breaking the bank.
1. HP 2023 Newest 15.6″ Touchscreen Laptop
We highly recommend the HP 2023 Newest 15.6″ Touchscreen Laptop for photo editing on a budget because of its impressive features and affordability.
Pros
- The 15.6-inch touchscreen HD display is perfect for photo editing and provides a sensitive response speed, easy communication, ruggedness, and space saving.
- The 11th Generation Intel® Core™ i3-1115G4 processor and up to 32GB DDR4 RAM make it easy to run photo and video editing applications smoothly and quickly.
- The 2TB SSD storage boots up in seconds, accessing files faster, and leaving room for file loading with lightning-fast SSDs.
Cons
- The resolution of the display could be higher for more detail in photo editing.
- The laptop is not suitable for heavy gaming.
- The battery life could be longer for extended use.
The HP 2023 Newest 15.6″ Touchscreen Laptop is an excellent choice for anyone on a budget who needs a laptop for photo editing. The touchscreen display is perfect for editing photos and videos, and the 11th Generation Intel® Core™ i3-1115G4 processor and up to 32GB DDR4 RAM make it easy to run multiple applications smoothly and quickly.
The 2TB SSD storage is also a great feature, as it boots up in seconds and accesses files faster, leaving room for file loading with lightning-fast SSDs. However, the resolution of the display could be higher for more detail in photo editing, and the laptop is not suitable for heavy gaming. Additionally, the battery life could be longer for extended use.
Overall, the HP 2023 Newest 15.6″ Touchscreen Laptop is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable laptop for photo editing.
2. HP ProBook 450 G9 Business Laptop
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop for photo editing, the HP ProBook 450 G9 Business Laptop is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 64GB RAM and 2TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD allow for lightning-fast bootup and data transfer, making multitasking a breeze.
- The 12th Gen Intel Core i7-1255U Processor with NVIDIA GeForce MX570A (2GB) is a powerful combination that can handle even the most demanding photo editing tasks.
- The 15.6″ diagonal, FHD (1920 x 1080), IPS, narrow bezel, anti-glare, 250 nits, 45% NTSC display is perfect for accurately editing photos.
Cons
- The laptop is a bit heavy at 3.83 pounds, making it less than ideal for travel.
- The battery life could be better, lasting only around 6 hours with moderate use.
- The laptop doesn’t come with an optical drive, which could be an inconvenience for some users.
We’ve been using the HP ProBook 450 G9 Business Laptop for a few weeks now and have been impressed with its performance. The high-speed RAM and enormous storage space make multitasking a breeze, and the powerful processor and graphics card can handle even the most demanding photo editing tasks with ease. The display is also a standout feature, providing accurate colors and sharp images.
However, the laptop is a bit heavy and not ideal for travel, and the battery life could be better. Additionally, the lack of an optical drive could be an inconvenience for some users. Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop for photo editing that can handle demanding tasks, the HP ProBook 450 G9 Business Laptop is definitely worth considering.
3. HP Newest Pavilion 15.6″ HD Touchscreen Anti-Glare Laptop
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop for photo editing, the HP Newest Pavilion 15.6″ HD Touchscreen Anti-Glare Laptop is a great option.
Pros
- The 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD storage allow for smooth multitasking and quick data transfer.
- The HD touchscreen display with anti-glare technology makes photo editing a breeze.
- The long battery life of up to 11 hours means you can edit photos on-the-go without worrying about running out of power.
Cons
- The display resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels may not be sufficient for professional photo editing.
- The laptop does not come with a dedicated graphics card, which may limit its photo editing capabilities.
- The lack of keyboard backlighting may be inconvenient for users who work in low-light environments.
We recently tested out the HP Newest Pavilion 15.6″ HD Touchscreen Anti-Glare Laptop and were impressed with its performance. The Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor with up to 4.1 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 6 MB L3 cache, 2 cores, 4 threads, and Intel UHD graphics ensure smooth and efficient operation.
The 16GB RAM and 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD storage provide ample space for storing and running multiple applications and browser tabs simultaneously. The HD touchscreen display with anti-glare technology is a standout feature, making it easy to edit photos with crisp quality and clarity.
However, the display resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels may not be sufficient for professional photo editing, and the lack of a dedicated graphics card may limit its capabilities in this area. Additionally, the laptop does not come with keyboard backlighting, which may be inconvenient for users who work in low-light environments.
Overall, we recommend the HP Newest Pavilion 15.6″ HD Touchscreen Anti-Glare Laptop for those looking for a budget-friendly option for photo editing on-the-go.
4. HP Stream Laptop
If you’re looking for a budget laptop for photo editing, the HP Stream Laptop is a decent option.
Pros
- The laptop has a high-speed RAM and enormous space, which allows you to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once.
- The 14″ diagonal, HD (1366 x 768), touch, micro-edge, BrightView, 220 nits, 45% NTSC display ensures a clear and vibrant visual experience.
- With the Realtek RTL8821CE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (1×1) Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 combo, you can stay connected to the internet and other devices seamlessly.
Cons
- The Intel Celeron N4020 processor may not be the best for heavy-duty photo editing.
- The battery life is only 3-cell, 41Wh Li-ion, which may not last long if you’re using the laptop for extended periods.
- The laptop’s display is not Full HD, which may not be ideal for professional photo editing.
In our experience, the HP Stream Laptop is suitable for light photo editing tasks. However, if you’re looking for a laptop for professional photo editing, you may want to consider other options. Overall, the HP Stream Laptop is a good budget option for general use and light photo editing tasks.
5. HP 2023 Newest 14″ HD Ultral Light Thin Laptop
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop for photo editing, the HP 2023 Newest 14″ HD Ultral Light Thin Laptop might be a good option for you.
Pros
- The 14″ HD LED display is bright and clear, making it easy to see and edit photos.
- With 4GB DDR4 RAM and 64GB eMMC flash memory, this laptop can handle basic photo editing tasks.
- The Intel Celeron N4120 quad-core processor provides decent performance for the price.
Cons
- The 1366×768 resolution may not be sufficient for more advanced photo editing tasks.
- The 3.17 lbs weight may not be ideal for portability.
- The 720p HD camera and integrated dual array digital microphones may not be suitable for professional video conferencing.
We found that the HP 2023 Newest 14″ HD Ultral Light Thin Laptop is a decent option for those on a budget. The 14″ HD LED display is bright and clear, making it easy to see and edit photos. With 4GB DDR4 RAM and 64GB eMMC flash memory, this laptop can handle basic photo editing tasks. The Intel Celeron N4120 quad-core processor provides decent performance for the price. However, the 1366×768 resolution may not be sufficient for more advanced photo editing tasks, and the 3.17 lbs weight may not be ideal for portability. Additionally, the 720p HD camera and integrated dual array digital microphones may not be suitable for professional video conferencing. Overall, we recommend the HP 2023 Newest 14″ HD Ultral Light Thin Laptop for those who are looking for a budget-friendly option for basic photo editing tasks.
6. 2022 HP Stream 14inch HD Display
We highly recommend the 2022 HP Stream 14inch HD Display for those who are looking for a budget-friendly laptop for photo editing.
Pros
- The Intel Celeron N4020 processor provides fast and efficient performance.
- The 4 GB DDR4-2400 SDRAM and 128GB storage (64 GB eMMC plus ADATA 64GB microSDXC card) offer ample storage space.
- The 14-inch diagonal HD SVA bright view WLED-backlit display (1366 x 768) offers clear and bright visuals.
Cons
- The Intel Integrated UHD Graphics 600 may not be suitable for heavy photo editing.
- The absence of an optical drive may be inconvenient for some users.
- The Windows 10 S OS may not be suitable for advanced photo editing software.
The 2022 HP Stream 14inch HD Display is a great option for those who are looking for a budget-friendly laptop for photo editing. The Intel Celeron N4020 processor provides fast and efficient performance, making it easy to edit photos without any lag. Additionally, the 4 GB DDR4-2400 SDRAM and 128GB storage (64 GB eMMC plus ADATA 64GB microSDXC card) offer ample storage space for photos and other files.
The 14-inch diagonal HD SVA bright view WLED-backlit display (1366 x 768) offers clear and bright visuals, making it easy to view and edit photos. However, the Intel Integrated UHD Graphics 600 may not be suitable for heavy photo editing, which may be a downside for some users.
The absence of an optical drive may also be inconvenient for some users who need to transfer files from CDs or DVDs. Additionally, the Windows 10 S OS may not be suitable for advanced photo editing software, which may limit the software options available to users.
Overall, the 2022 HP Stream 14inch HD Display is a great option for those who are looking for a budget-friendly laptop for photo editing. With its fast and efficient performance, ample storage space, and clear and bright display, it is a great choice for those who want to edit photos without breaking the bank.
7. HP 15 Laptop
If you’re looking for a reliable laptop for photo editing on a budget, the HP 15 Laptop is a great option.
Pros
- The Windows 11 operating system is easy to use and provides a natural way to create and express your ideas.
- The micro-edge display and thin design make it easy to take this laptop anywhere while still being able to see more of your photos and videos.
- The AMD Radeon Graphics card provides impressive graphics performance for all your entertainment needs.
Cons
- The 15.6-inch HD display may not be as high resolution as some other laptops on the market.
- The 256 GB SSD storage may not be enough for those with extensive media libraries or large files.
- The 720p webcam may not provide the highest quality video for professional video calls.
We recently had the opportunity to use the HP 15 Laptop for photo editing and were impressed with its performance. The Windows 11 operating system is user-friendly and provides a fresh perspective for creating and expressing your ideas. The micro-edge display and thin design make it easy to take this laptop on the go while still being able to see more of your photos and videos.
The AMD Radeon Graphics card provides impressive graphics performance for all your entertainment needs, whether you’re watching movies or playing games. The AMD Ryzen 3 5300U processor provides accelerated power and efficiency for seamless multitasking, and the 8 GB of RAM provides improved multitasking with higher bandwidth.
The HP 15 Laptop also has a long battery life of up to 7 hours and 15 minutes, and HP Fast Charge technology allows you to quickly charge your laptop and stay connected all day. The Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 combo provides a smoother wireless experience with solid connections and up to 3x faster file transfer speeds than Wi-Fi 5.
Overall, the HP 15 Laptop is a great budget option for photo editing and other entertainment needs. Its impressive graphics and user-friendly design make it a great choice for those looking for a reliable laptop without breaking the bank.
8. HP 15.6″ FHD Business Laptop
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop that can handle photo editing, the HP 15.6″ FHD Business Laptop is worth considering.
Pros
- The 15.6″ anti-glare display offers impressive color and clarity, making it easy to edit photos with precision.
- With an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U mobile processor and upgraded 16GB system memory, this laptop can handle demanding photo editing software.
- The upgraded 1TB SSD storage ensures quick boot times and plenty of space for storing large photo files.
Cons
- The laptop’s integrated graphics may not be sufficient for more advanced photo editing tasks.
- Some users have reported that the laptop’s fan can be loud and distracting.
- The lack of an optical drive may be inconvenient for users who frequently use CDs or DVDs.
We recently had the opportunity to test out the HP 15.6″ FHD Business Laptop and were impressed with its performance for the price. The laptop’s anti-glare display made it easy to see details in photos, and the upgraded system memory and SSD storage allowed us to edit photos quickly and efficiently.
One downside we noticed was that the laptop’s integrated graphics may not be sufficient for more advanced photo editing tasks, such as working with large files or using advanced filters. Additionally, the laptop’s fan can be loud and distracting, which may be a concern for users who prefer a quieter workspace.
Overall, we would recommend the HP 15.6″ FHD Business Laptop to anyone looking for a budget-friendly option for photo editing. Its upgraded system memory and SSD storage make it a great choice for users who need to work with large photo files, and its anti-glare display ensures accurate color representation.
9. 2022 Newest HP Premium 14-inch HD Laptop
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop for photo editing, the 2022 Newest HP Premium 14-inch HD Laptop is a solid choice.
Pros
- The Intel Celeron N4020 processor delivers performance in a new computer that fits your lifestyle and budget.
- The 14″ diagonal HD anti-glare micro-edge display provides everyday image quality for Internet use, basic photo editing, and casual gaming.
- Substantial high-bandwidth 8GB DDR4 RAM to smoothly run your games and photo- and video-editing applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs all at once.
Cons
- The 64GB eMMC storage may not be sufficient for storing large photo files.
- The HD display may not provide the best color accuracy for professional photo editing.
- The laptop comes with Windows 11 Home in S mode, which limits the installation of third-party apps.
We recently tested the HP Premium Laptop for photo editing and found that it performed well for basic photo editing tasks. The Intel Celeron N4020 processor and 8GB DDR4 RAM provided enough power to run photo editing software without any lag. The 14″ diagonal HD display was bright and provided decent color accuracy for casual photo editing tasks. However, the limited storage capacity may be a concern for users who work with large photo files.
Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop for basic photo editing tasks, the 2022 Newest HP Premium 14-inch HD Laptop is a good option. However, if you require more storage space or need a more color-accurate display for professional photo editing, you may want to consider other options.
10. HP 2022 Newest 15.6’’ HD Touchscreen Laptop
If you’re looking for an affordable laptop for photo editing, the HP 2022 Newest 15.6’’ HD Touchscreen Laptop might be a good choice.
Pros
- Upgraded to 16GB RAM + 512GB PCIe SSD
- 15.6” HD Touch Display
- Intel Core i5-1135G7
Cons
- Keyboard feels flimsy
- Low screen resolution
- No dedicated graphics card
We upgraded the RAM and SSD to achieve the specifications as advertised and were impressed with the laptop’s performance. The HD touch display provides an ultra-wide viewing experience, making it easy to work on multiple projects at once. The Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor is fast and responsive, allowing us to run photo editing software without any issues.
However, the keyboard feels flimsy and the keys aren’t attached very firmly. The screen resolution is also low, which may not be ideal for professional photo editing. Additionally, there is no dedicated graphics card, so rendering times may be slower than with more expensive laptops.
In conclusion, the HP 2022 Newest 15.6’’ HD Touchscreen Laptop is a decent option for those on a budget who need a laptop for photo editing. However, if you’re a professional photographer or graphic designer, you may want to invest in a more high-end laptop with a dedicated graphics card and higher screen resolution.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a laptop for photo editing on a budget, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing the best product for your needs:
1. Display
One of the most important features to consider is the display. Look for a laptop with a high-resolution screen that can display accurate colors. A laptop with an IPS (in-plane switching) display is ideal, as it provides wide viewing angles and accurate colors.
2. Processor
The processor is the brain of the laptop and is responsible for running all of the software. For photo editing, look for a laptop with a powerful processor that can handle intensive tasks. An Intel Core i5 or i7 processor is a good choice.
3. RAM
RAM (random access memory) is essential for multitasking and running multiple programs at once. For photo editing, look for a laptop with at least 8GB of RAM, but 16GB or more is even better.
4. Storage
Storage is important for storing your photos and software. A laptop with a solid-state drive (SSD) is ideal, as it provides faster read and write speeds than a traditional hard drive. Look for a laptop with at least 256GB of storage, but 512GB or more is ideal.
5. Graphics Card
A dedicated graphics card is not essential for photo editing, but it can help speed up the process. Look for a laptop with a dedicated graphics card with at least 2GB of VRAM.
In summary, when choosing a laptop for photo editing on a budget, look for a laptop with a high-resolution display, powerful processor, plenty of RAM and storage, and a dedicated graphics card if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
– What are the top laptops for photo editing on a budget?
There are several good options for photo editing on a budget. Some of the top laptops for photo editing on a budget include the Dell XPS 15, the Acer Aspire 5, and the Lenovo IdeaPad 5. These laptops offer good performance and features for photo editing, while still being affordable.
– Is the Lenovo ThinkBook 15 Gen2 a good option for photo editing?
The Lenovo ThinkBook 15 Gen2 is a decent option for photo editing on a budget. It has a good processor and graphics card, but it may not be the best choice for more demanding photo editing tasks. If you are looking for a budget laptop for basic photo editing, the ThinkBook 15 Gen2 could be a good option.
– What features should I look for in a laptop for photo editing?
When looking for a laptop for photo editing, there are several features to consider. You should look for a laptop with a good processor, plenty of RAM, a dedicated graphics card, and a high-quality display. A laptop with a fast SSD and good battery life is also important.
– Are there any HP laptops that are recommended for photo editing?
Yes, there are several HP laptops that are recommended for photo editing. The HP Envy 15 and the HP Spectre x360 are both good options for photo editing on a budget. They offer good performance and features for photo editing, while still being affordable.
– What size laptop screen is best for photo editing?
A larger screen is generally better for photo editing, as it allows you to see more detail and work more comfortably. A 15-inch or 17-inch screen is recommended for photo editing. However, a smaller screen can still work if you are on a tighter budget or need a more portable laptop.
– Can a 2-in-1 laptop be used for photo editing?
Yes, a 2-in-1 laptop can be used for photo editing. However, they may not be the best choice for more demanding photo editing tasks. If you are looking for a budget laptop for basic photo editing, a 2-in-1 laptop could be a good option. Just make sure to look for one with a good processor, plenty of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card.