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As a professional web designer/developer or a college student who has just started a career, you need a reliable laptop that can help you to do the job fast.
Web designers and web programmers like YOU spend a lot of time building professional websites. It’s because of your hard work that even non-tech-savvy people are able to browse the internet without any issues.
Some people consider web design and web development the same, but that is not the case. They use different software and focus on different tasks. There is some overlap, but if you’re just starting out, make sure to know your area of interest – and we’ll provide the best laptop recommendations.
The good news is that you don’t necessarily need a very expensive laptop, but let’s not jump ahead.
Sounds good? Let’s dive in, then.
Table of Contents
- Buying Guide for Laptops for Web Design & Development in 2023
- Top 7 Laptops for Web Design & Development
- 1. Thin & Light Powerhouse: LG Gram 16
- 2. Apple’s Premier Choice: MacBook Pro M2 16
- 3. Versatile 2-in-1 Laptop: Dell Inspiron 7425
- 4. Solid Coding, Design & Gaming Performance: Acer Nitro 5
- 5. Great Value with 17″ Touchscreen: HP 17
- 6. Best Budget Option: Acer Aspire 5
- 7. High-performance Beast with Ample Storage: Lenovo V15 G3
- FAQs about Laptops for Web Design & Development
- Verdict
Buying Guide for Laptops for Web Design & Development in 2023
For web design & development, you need a laptop that offers good processing, storage, memory, and a high-quality screen. The guide below breaks down what you should look for in the best laptop for web design.
Processor
Focus on a CPU’s fundamental factors: the family (category of processors) and the brand.
The leading processors are Intel and AMD. AMD is an affordable option, but Intel strikes the right balance regarding working efficiency and multi-tasking.
So, when choosing the best laptop for web development, we recommend going with Intel Core i5 or i7. Both of these have strong processing capabilities, minimal lag, and reasonable prices – the Core i3 might lag while i9 might be overkill. The AMD equivalent of these processors is also recommended: AMD Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7.
Graphics Card – Integrated or Dedicated
Make sure to select one with a dedicated GPU if you use Adobe XD or Adobe Photoshop or if you do extensive photo or video editing. And you will be fine with an integrated graphic card if your weapon of choice is lighter programs, such as Sketch or Figma to create UI/UX, web mockups, or assets for the client’s website. And pretty much all laptops can run web browsers such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge Mozilla Firefox for various tasks.
If you are a backend or full-stack web developer, and you use tools such as XAMPP, MAMP (for local web servers), IDE’s such as PhpStorm, WebStorm, Microsoft Visual Studio, etc. to compile programs. Or if you use text editors such as Sublime Text, Notepad++, Atom to write code. Lastly, most of you will also work with software like Github or Gitlab to push commits, version control, etc. There are a lot of other tools such as Web browsers, Web extensions that you may use. You’ll also be fine with a laptop that has an integrated graphics card.
Display Size & Quality
The screen size and quality have a significant impact on web designers. One can never create good designs without accurate colors, details, and clarity. So, be vigilant about this aspect.
When purchasing, opt for screen sizes between 15 to 17 inches. These particular sizes tend to be neither too big nor too small. If you need additional screen real-estate you can always get one or more additional screens. They are pretty inexpensive nowadays.
As for screen quality, it varies with screen type. Traditionally, you will find three types of laptop screens. These include TN Panel, IPS, and OLED.
We recommend IPS panel displays as they offer an impressive screen quality at a reasonable price. You will get a standard FHD resolution of 1920×1080-pixels. The best computer for web design will provide true colors, vivid details, and clear images.
While TN panels compromise on quality for the price, OLED laptops can burn a hole in your pockets. If the budget allows, there is no harm in opting for it.
Memory
Let’s clarify one thing first: the memory of a laptop does not associate with storage space. Both are two entirely different features.
Memory, also called RAM, refers to the temporary storage used by the laptop to process things. A larger RAM will enable your laptop to process tasks much faster. Consequently, you can practice multitasking easily without lag or glitches. This especially is important if you work on larger images or videos.
We recommend aiming for a minimum of 8GB, while anything above 32GB might be overkill.
Storage Space
Web design and development usually involve working with images and sometimes videos. All this requires enough space and they tend to add up over time.
You will come across two different storage types when searching for the best laptop for web designing.
- Solid State Drives (SSD)
- Hard Disk Drives (HDD)
SSD storage is a much better choice than traditional HDDs. Why? SSD storage is absolutely quiet, it is faster, and more responsive than HDDs. They are a bit more expensive than HDDs but the price difference is not a lot and you will get a lot more value with an SSD.
If you already have an external drive or planning to get one and put your older archived projects there you don’t need large storage. When investing in the best laptop for web design, go for at least 256 SSD storage.
Battery Life
If you wish to work for hours unplugged, then look for something like the LG Gram or MacBook Air on our list. These offer the longest battery life.
It’s important to note that battery life numbers are just estimated because the actual battery life will depend on what software you are working with and how power-hungry that software is.
If you have a lot of Chrome tabs open or work on the photo or video editing the actual battery life will be a lot less than what’s posted.
Ergonomics
Only because your search revolves around the best computer for web development does not mean that you shouldn’t consider the extras. When investing, it is wiser to evaluate as many aspects as possible.
Extras do not refer to aesthetic bags or additional cables (though that would be nice!). Instead, we are talking about the comfort and feasibility a laptop offers while you work. A quality FHD webcam, backlit keyboard, and smooth trackpad can be important to some web developers so be sure to make a list of your wants and wishes!
Top 7 Laptops for Web Design & Development
Let’s count down our top picks for the best laptops for web design and development. We included a good variety of laptops… some higher-end models as well as some budget models.
1. Thin & Light Powerhouse: LG Gram 16
- CPU: 2.1GHz Intel Core i7 1260P
- RAM: 16GB DDR4
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Display: 16-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600)
- GPU: 4GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050
- Battery: Up to 13 hours
The LG Gram 16 stands out as a featherlight companion for web designers and developers on the move. With a weight of just 2.83 lbs, it’s perfect for those who value portability without compromising on performance.
Powered by the 2.1GHz Intel Core i7 1260P and 16GB of DDR4 RAM, this laptop ensures smooth multitasking and code compilation.
The 16-inch WQXGA display, boasting a resolution of 2560 x 1600, presents your web creations in vibrant detail. While the 4GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 contributes to graphical tasks, the ample 1TB SSD storage provides swift access to your projects.
With a battery life of up to 13 hours, you can work away from outlets without worry.
- What We Like
- Exceptional Portability
- Crisp WQXGA Display
- Ample RAM and Storage
- Impressive Battery Life
- Dedicated Graphics
- What We Don’t Like
- Moderate GPU Performance
2. Apple’s Premier Choice: MacBook Pro M2 16
- CPU: 3.5GHz Apple M2 12-Core
- RAM: 16GB DDR5
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 16.2-inch Retina XDR (3456 x 2234)
- GPU: Integrated Apple 19-Core
- Battery: Up to 15 hours
The MacBook Pro M2 16 showcases Apple’s dedication to creative professionals.
With the potent 3.5GHz Apple M2 12-Core chip and 16GB of DDR5 RAM, it’s tailor-made for designers and developers. The 16.2-inch Retina XDR display, boasting a resolution of 3456 x 2234, presents your web projects in breathtaking detail.
While the integrated Apple 19-Core GPU is efficient for most tasks, heavy graphical demands might require additional power. The 512GB SSD offers responsive storage, complementing the laptop’s overall speed.
With a battery life of up to 15 hours, you have ample time to immerse yourself in your work.
- What We Like
- Powerful M2 Chip
- Stunning Retina XDR Display
- Efficient RAM and Storage
- Impressive Battery Life
- Sleek Design
- What We Don’t Like
- Premium Price
3. Versatile 2-in-1 Laptop: Dell Inspiron 7425
- CPU: 2.3GHz AMD Ryzen 5 5625U
- RAM: 16GB DDR4
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 14-inch FHD Touch (1920 x 1080)
- GPU: Integrated AMD Radeon Vega 7 Graphics
- Battery: Up to 7 hours
The Dell Inspiron 7425 strikes a balance between performance and versatility.
Fueled by the 2.3GHz AMD Ryzen 5 5625U and 16GB of DDR4 RAM, it tackles coding and design tasks with ease. The 14-inch FHD touch display, boasting a resolution of 1920 x 1080, adds a layer of interactivity to your work.
While the integrated AMD Radeon Vega 7 Graphics handle most design tasks well, resource-intensive graphical work might require additional power. With a battery life of up to 7 hours, you’re set for shorter work sessions on the go.
- What We Like
- Responsive Processing
- Touch-enabled FHD Display
- Solid RAM and Storage
- Decent Portability
- Touchscreen Functionality
- What We Don’t Like
- Average GPU Performance
- Moderate Battery Life
4. Solid Coding, Design & Gaming Performance: Acer Nitro 5
- CPU: 2.5 GHz Intel Core i5-12500H
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
- GPU: 4GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
- Battery: Up to 6 Hours
The Acer Nitro 5 is an attractive option for web designers and developers who are budget-conscious yet still require solid performance.
Driven by the 2.5 GHz Intel Core i5-12500H and equipped with 8GB of DDR4 RAM, it handles coding and design tasks with competence. The 15.6-inch FHD display, boasting a resolution of 1920 x 1080, provides clear visuals for your projects.
The 4GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card adds graphical power to the mix, making it suitable for design tasks. The 512GB SSD offers swift storage access for your files.
With a battery life of up to 6 hours, you can tackle your tasks without frequent charging breaks.
Watch our Acer Nitro 5 Review
This YouTube review was created by the Not Just Laptops team. The specs may slightly differ from the laptop in the article.
- What We Like
- Affordable Option
- Decent Processing Power
- Good Display Quality
- Responsive SSD Storage
- Balanced Portability
- What We Don’t Like
- Limited RAM
- Moderate Battery Life
5. Great Value with 17″ Touchscreen: HP 17
- CPU: 1.7GHz Intel Core i7-1255U
- RAM: 16GB DDR4
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 17.3-inch HD+ (1600 x 900)
- GPU: Integrated Intel Iris Xe
- Battery: Up to 7 hours
The HP 17 boasts a generous 17.3-inch HD+ display with a resolution of 1600 x 900, providing you with ample screen real estate for multitasking and coding.
The 1.7GHz Intel Core i7-1255U processor and 16GB of DDR4 RAM ensure smooth operation, even during demanding tasks.
While the integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics handle everyday graphics well, resource-intensive design work might push its limits.
With a battery life of up to 7 hours, you have a reasonable amount of time to work before needing to recharge.
- What We Like
- Large HD+ Display
- Ample RAM and Storage
- Decent Portability
- Reliable Performance
- Competitive Price
- What We Don’t Like
- Modest GPU Performance
- HD+ Resolution
6. Best Budget Option: Acer Aspire 5
- CPU: 3GHz Intel Core i3-1115G4
- RAM: 20GB DDR4
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
- GPU: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics
- Battery: Up to 8 hours
The Acer Aspire 5 caters to those seeking a wallet-friendly laptop for web design and development tasks.
Powered by the 3GHz Intel Core i3-1115G4 and armed with 20GB of DDR4 RAM, it’s a decent performer for coding and lighter design work. The 15.6-inch FHD display, boasting a resolution of 1920 x 1080, offers clarity for your projects.
The integrated Intel UHD Graphics handle basic graphics tasks, but for more complex design work, you might find them lacking.
The 512GB SSD ensures fast data access, and with a battery life of up to 8 hours, you can work for extended periods without recharging.
- What We Like
- Cost-Effective Option
- Balanced Processing
- Good RAM and Storage
- Lightweight Design
- Long Battery Life
- What We Don’t Like
- Entry-Level GPU
- Basic Design
7. High-performance Beast with Ample Storage: Lenovo V15 G3
- CPU: 1.3GHz Intel Core i5-1235U
- RAM: 40GB DDR4
- Storage: 2TB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
- GPU: Integrated Intel Iris Xe
- Battery: Up to 8 hours
The Lenovo V15 G3 packs a punch with its 1.3GHz Intel Core i5-1235U processor and a whopping 40GB of DDR4 RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and efficient coding.
The 15.6-inch FHD display, boasting a resolution of 1920 x 1080, complements your design tasks with clear visuals.
While the integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics handle everyday graphics tasks well, they might struggle with heavier design work.
The 2TB SSD provides ample storage for your projects, and with a battery life of up to 8 hours, you can enjoy prolonged productivity sessions.
- What We Like
- Ample RAM and Storage
- Competent Processing Power
- Decent Display Quality
- Lightweight Design
- Balanced Performance
- What We Don’t Like
- Modest GPU Performance
- Average Battery Life
FAQs about Laptops for Web Design & Development
Let’s look at some of the recurrently asked questions that people often ask when buying the best laptop for web designing and development.
Is 4GB RAM enough for web design?
In most cases, 4GB RAM will not be enough for a web designer, unless you build or design websites on the web. Most professional web designer- and developer tasks need resource-intensive applications and software. And so, a laptop with 4GB RAM is likely to experience lag and slow performance. Go for a minimum of 8GB RAM if you are a web designer.
Do you need a touch screen for web design?
Having a touchscreen can be a nice-to-have feature, but it is not necessary. Web design work revolves more around processing and performance. Hence, you can do well with or without a touchscreen.
Should a laptop have a dedicated GPU for web design?
The need for having a dedicated GPU depends on the tools you use rather than web designing itself. For example, if you use system-intensive and complex software like Photoshop or video editing, you will want to look for a laptop with a dedicated GPU. However, if you mainly do coding or work with DreamWeaver or on web applications you will be fine with an integrated graphics card.
Do I need a laptop with an SSD for web design?
Although it’s not necessary to get a laptop with an SSD for web design, we highly recommend you get one with an SSD. As most of the tools used for web design and development will take a lot of time to load, having an SSD will improve the loading speed, as it offers faster read and write speeds.
Verdict
Web development and design don’t require extreme features in a laptop. But, not every laptop is the best for it. Before you begin the hunt, do go through our insightful guide on top of this page. It’ll provide you the head-start you need.
Here is a quick overview of the best laptops for web development reviewed above:
- Best Overall: MacBook Pro M2 16
- Long battery life: LG Gram 16
- Largest Display: HP 17
Do you have any recommendations or questions? Let us know below, and we’ll be happy to connect with you!
Other Laptop guides for development work: