Animation students and graphic designers require a heavy-performance laptop for completing their daily routine tasks. From touch screens to convertible laptops there is a huge variety of laptops for animation but taking the final decision is very difficult because it needs thorough consideration.
Being a graphic designer and student of animation, in my opinion, before selecting the best laptop for animation students you must consider your requirement and the specifications which you need in that laptop. Therefore after rigorous research and evaluating user experience, we have shortlisted the best laptops for animation and graphic designfor your convenience. You can also read Best Laptops for Crafting
What are Top 12 Laptops for Animation -2022 Models and Buying Guide
1. Acer Aspire 5 A515 – HD display Animation Laptop
Acer Aspire 5 is an amazing laptop of the Acer brand. It features a powerful Ryzen 3 processor which helps you complete your heavy tasks of animation without any problem with battery life. The full HD display and best graphics 15.6-inch screen take the animation experience to the next level. Moreover, this laptop is compatible with a wide range of voltage from 100 V to 240V. The AMD Radeon Vega 6 graphics enhance the experience of video and photo editing.
The reviewed product Acer Aspire 5 laptop has impressed me with its distinctive and high-performance features. The purified voice technology cancels the noise and provides the best sound quality needed for animation. Moreover, graphics are another important component in the making of animation. I am much amazed by the AMD Radeon Vega 6 graphics of this laptop as it provides the best visual effects and graphics.
So, if you are looking for the best laptop for animation, Acer Aspire 5 is the best option for you because the powerful battery of this laptop will not disappoint you. Secondly, I added it to the list of best laptops for animation 2023 because of its 15.6 inches display having an 82.5% screen-to-body ratio which enhances the experience of animation.
2. Samsung Galaxy Book Pro – Best Laptop for Animation
Samsung Galaxy Book Pro is an elegantly designed mystic silver laptop. It features a heavy-duty performance of the 11th generation core processor which comes with Windows 11. Moreover, it is a very lightweight laptop weighing just around 2 lbs. It comes with an AMOLED screen and Dolby Atmos audio which provide exciting results in animation.
I have reviewed Samsung Galaxy Book Pro and found it a very amazing laptop for animation use. Its 100% color volume due to the Amoled screen distinguishes it from other laptops made for animation purposes. Moreover, it is compatible with Wi-Fi 6 which takes no time in completing any task. Furthermore, it made my task very easy due to work and play mode accessibility. I was able to shift from work to play and vice versa in a very easy manner due to Samsung Smart things.
Specification
Brand: Samsung
Display size: 15.6 inches
Screen resolution: 1920×1080 pixels
Processor: 2.4 GHz Apple
Hard drive: 512 GB SSD
Battery life: 20 hours
Model: NP950XDB-KB2US
Pros
Aesthetically designed sleek body.
Excellent graphics due to AMOLED screen which reduces stress on eyes.
Extended battery life of up to 20 hours.
Outstanding space of up to 512 GB.
Cons
Less interface connection options but overall outstanding.
So, if you need a laptop on which you can do your animation and work at the same time, Samsung Galaxy Book Pro is the best choice for you. Moreover, its 20 hours battery timing reduces the stress of charging the laptop frequently and it comes with a quick recharge charger which takes no time in refueling the battery charge percentage.
3. HP 11 Chromebook – Best Laptop for Graphic Design
HP Chromebook is a snow-white laptop that is one of the most lightweight and best laptops for animation students. It is a 2-in-1 laptop which means that you can work and play at the same time switching between the windows of gaming and school work. This function is featured by its MediaTek mobile processor and 11-inch display. An interesting fact about this laptop that makes it the best laptop for animation is its 1 million pixel graphics and high-definition display.
The reviewed product of the HP 11 Chromebook is not only best for animation but is also an environment-friendly laptop that uses low-halogen cables. Moreover, to enjoy the animation experience I found it best due to many options of ports and connectivity where you can connect your headphones and other gaming consoles.
Specification
Brand: HP
Display size: 11.6 inches
Screen resolution: 1361×768 pixels
Processor: 2 GHz MediaTek
Hard drive: Embedded Multimedia Card
Battery life: 15 hours
Model: 11a-na0010nr
Pros
Amazing sound quality due to tuned stereo speakers.
Efficient optics due to MediaTek Integrated Graphics card.
Easy visual connectivity due to HP’s true vision camera.
So, if you are looking for a laptop to enjoy animation with perfect graphics, HP 11 ProBook is the best choice for you as it comes with an anti-glare panel and high definition of 1 million pixels. Moreover, its tuned stereo speakers provide an exciting animation experience.
4. Apple Macbook Pro 16 – inch-Best Laptop for Gaming
Apple MacBook Pro is a perfect option for pro gamers and animators. Its powerful Mac OS 12 Monterey operating system enhances the work efficiently without compromising the battery life. Moreover, it comes with a liquid retina XDR display which is a distinctive feature of this animation laptop. The 10-core CPU of this laptop delivers a speedy performance of up to two times faster than the standard laptops.
The reviewed product features a lot of specifications and functions which are necessary for animation laptops. One of its features that I like the most is its 16-core neural engine which enhances the machine learning performance up to 5 times faster and its 16-core GPU enhances the performance of graphics up to four times faster.
Specification
Brand: Apple
Display size: 16.2 inches
Product weight: 4.62 pounds
Processor: Mac OS
Hard drive: 512 GB SSD
Battery life: 21 hours
Model: MK 183LL/A
Pros
5 times the faster graphics performance.
Powerful audio with 6 speaker sound system.
5 times faster machine learning performance due to a 16-core neural engine.
So, if you are looking for an animation laptop having speedy performance, then Apple M1 Pro is the best choice for you as it encompasses all the necessary features for animation like the liquid retina, XDR display, M1 pro chip, 21 hours of battery life, and 7200 RPM hard drive speed
5. Lenovo Legion-5 – Best Lenovo Laptop for VFX
Lenovo Legion 5 is a best-performing gaming and animation laptop which comes with a powerful AMD Ryzen 5800 processor and GeForce RTX graphics which make the animation experience exciting. Its Legion AI engine is the major component behind its high-performance Q Control Technology. Moreover, its Legion AI engine helps in shifting the power from CPU to GPU and vice versa.
While reviewing the animation laptops I found a plethora of animation features in Lenovo Legion 5. Its HD IPS display having a 165 Hz refresh rate and less than 3 ms response time amazed me with the processing speed. Moreover, the Nahimic 3D audio made me feel so comfortable with the sound while enjoying games and animations.
Specification
Brand: Lenovo
Display size: 15.6 inches
Screen resolution: 1920×1080 pixels
Processor: 3.2 GHz Ryzen
Hard drive: 512 GB SSD
Ram: 16 GB DDR4
Model: 82JW00BDUS
Pros
Outstanding Legion Coldfront 3.0 technology keeps the temperature of the laptop normal.
100% color accuracy due to FHD display.
Extra fast performance due to AMD Ryzen processor.
So, if you are looking for the best laptops for animation and VFX that encompass all the latest features like NVIDIA graphics, Legion true strike keyboard, and E-shutter webcam, then Lenovo Legion 5 will not disappoint you as all the above-mentioned features are included in it.
6. ASUS ROG Strix G15 – AMD Ryzen for Animation
Asus Rog Strix G 15 is a multitasking laptop that features AMD Ryzen CPU and GeForce RTX GPU. Its lightning-fast speed of 3ms and frequency of 300 Hz make it the best laptop for animation students and pro gamers. Moreover, it comes with a ROG intelligent cooling system which helps you avoid the stress of heating and you enjoy your game perfectly.
The reviewed product is listed among the best laptop for animation 2023 because it is also Amazon’s choice. Its NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 technology boosts the frequency up to 1795 MHz at 80W. Moreover, I used this laptop for a long while for animation purposes and found it cool due to its ROG intelligent cooling thermal system.
Specification
Brand: ASUS
Display size: 15.6 inches
Screen resolution: 1920×1080 pixels
Processor: 4.2 GHz Ryzen
Hard drive: 512 GB SSD
Battery: Lithium-ion battery
Model: G513IE-PH74
Pros
Excellent cooling due to an intelligent thermal cooling system.
Powerful and boosted processing due to AMD Ryzen 4800H processor.
So, if you are worried about the heating issue of laptops, you must go for ASUS ROG Strix G15 as it comes with a solution to this problem. Moreover, its 15.6 inches white screen having an IPS type display takes your animation experience to the next level.
7. ASUS Zephyrus G14 – Best ASUS Laptop for Animation
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G 14 is a special edition laptop for animation and graphic designing with having AMD Ryzen processor and Pantone validated WQHD display. An interesting fact about this laptop is its connection with Alan Walker which makes it suitable not only for animation but also for DJ culture. Its grey color and ultra slim design give it a very aesthetic look. Moreover, it comes with 14 inches screen size which is ideal for graphic design and animation.
The reviewed product of ASUS ROG Zephyrus is an aesthetically designed slim laptop and I have selected it due to its ROG remix packaging. Through this packaging, I was able to edit the animation sounds in 18 different effects. Moreover, it’s very lightweight at 3.7 lbs and the best portable laptop.
Specification
Brand: ASUS
Display size: 14 inches
Screen resolution: 2560×1440 pixels
Processor: 4.6 GHz Ryzen
Hard drive: 1 TB SSD
Product weight: 3.75 pounds
Model: GA401QEC-K2064T
Pros
The aspect ratio of 16:9 is ideal for animation.
Amazing animation visuals due to Spectre Blue Anime Matrix.
No tension of dust due to the self-cleaning system.
So, if you are looking for an animation laptop that brings beauty with it then ASUS ROG Zephyrus will not disappoint you because apart from its aesthetic design it also features an AMD Ryzen processor which enhances the speed up to 1585 MHz at 60W.
8. Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3 – Best Touch Screen Laptop for Animation
Lenovo Chromebook flex 3 is popular due to its flexible, rapid, and productive functioning. Its MediaTek processor provides lightning-fast speed of processing and the battery life of this laptop is almost 10 hours. Moreover, it comes with built-in virus protection software which provides safety from malware attacks and viruses. Another interesting feature of this laptop is its 1-inch thin design which makes it easy for us to carry the laptop anywhere.
The reviewed product has impressed me with its 360-degree convertible design which enhances its aesthetic look. Moreover, while using this laptop for animation purposes I found it very simple and convincing due to its capacitive touch screen and aspect ratio of 16:9. The variety of USB ports of this laptop is very beneficial in connecting consoles and other storage devices.
So, we have listed this Lenovo Chromebook flex 3 in our list of best laptops for animation due to its 64GB flash memory hard drive and 2.1 GHz MediaTek processor. Moreover, its 11.6 inches screen size is also suitable for students learning animation.
9. Lenovo IdeaPad 3i – 512 GB Laptop for Animation
Lenovo IdeaPad 3i is a beautifully designed platinum grey laptop with having Intel Core i5 Quad Core processor. Moreover, its anti-glare display and 14 inches screen provide the best experience of animation and graphic design. If we talk about its graphics it features integrated Intel UHD graphics which is considered as the top of the line graphic technology in laptops. Moreover, its 512 GB flash memory eliminates the risk of speed reduction.
While getting the experience of this product I found it very reliable and functional for animation and gaming due to its solid state 512 GB drive and quad-core i5 processor which provides lightning-fast speed of processing to the user. Moreover, I am very satisfied with its platinum grey aesthetic design.
Specification
Brand: Lenovo
Display size: 14 inches
Screen resolution: 1920×1080 pixels
Processor: 1.6 GHz Core i5
Hard drive: 512 GB SSD
Operating system: Windows 10
Model: 81WA00Q7US
Pros
Crystal clear graphics due to integrated Intel UHD graphics.
So, if you are searching for a laptop having a heavy performance processor and hard drive then the Lenovo IdeaPad 3i will be the best option for you. Moreover, the memory speed of this laptop is 2666 MHz which is also very impressive.
Acer Predator Helios 300 is an advanced animation laptop that comes with Intel Core i7 Processor and NVIDIA GeForce 30 series graphics. While using this laptop for animation you can connect it with both Ethernet and Wi-Fi simultaneously. Moreover, the cooling system of this laptop features a 5th generation Aeroblade 3D fan which eliminates the stress of overheating and keeps the temperature of the laptop normal. Another interesting fact about this laptop is its Predatorsense which helps you customize your gaming and animation according to your need.
The reviewed product is a powerful core i7 processor laptop which has amazed me with its blazing fast display having a 144 Hz refresh rate which keeps the graphics adorable. Moreover, its DTS X Ultra sound quality takes the animation experience to the next level. The Alexa Show mode provides perfect visuals and with the help of this function, you can connect with Alexa from anywhere in the room.
Specification
Brand: Acer
Display size: 15.6 inches
Screen resolution: 1920×1080 pixels
Processor: 4.6 GHz Core i7
Hard drive: 512 GB SSD
Battery life: 6 hours
Model: PH315-54-760S
Pros
Lightening fast refresh rate of 144 MHZ.
Variety of ports for headphones, speakers, thunderbolt, USB, and Ethernet.
Perfect cooling with 89 blades of Aeroblade fan.
Compatible with both Ethernet and Wi-Fi.
Cons
Battery life is somehow compromised but overall performance is impressive.
So, if you are looking for an animation laptop that is the best in the market due to its display and graphics then Acer Predator Helios 300 is the best option for you as its perfectly designed black body gives the aesthetic look to the laptop. Moreover, it comes with a lithium-ion battery having a battery life of up to 6 hours.
11. Razer Blade 15 – Core i7 Laptop for Animation
Razer blade 15 is an Intel Core i7 Processor laptop that provides the performance of 5.0 GHz with Turbo Max and 6 core technology. The Ray Tracing technology of this laptop provides the cinematic touch to the animation experience due to GeForce RTX 2070 and max Q design. Moreover, the CNC aluminum body of this laptop having 0.78 inches in thickness enhances the durability and reliability of this laptop.
I have reviewed this product thoroughly and found it a very budget-friendly laptop for animation. Moreover, I was very satisfied with the processing speed due to its 512 GB Flash Memory Solid State hard drive which provides a memory speed of almost 2933 MHZ.
Specification
Brand: Razer
Display size: 15.6 inches
Screen resolution: 1920×1080 pixels
Processor: 4.5 GHz Core i7
Hard drive: 512 GB SSD
Battery: Lithium-ion battery
Model: RZ09-03287E22-R3U1
Pros
Fluid and smooth screen display.
Ultimate performance with core i7.
Durable aluminum body.
The fastest frame rate of 144 Hz.
Cons
Fans are not up to the mark but yet cooling is fine.
So, if you are looking for a budget-friendly laptop for animation, Razer Blade 15 will not disappoint you because its Thin Bezel HD display features a brilliant visual experience for animation and graphic designing.
12. Acer Nitro 5 AN-515 – Best Animation Laptop
Acer Nitro 5 is an advanced laptop of the Acer series having a 15.6 inches FHD display and 512 GB solid state hard drive. The internet connectivity of this laptop supports Wi-Fi 6 which eliminates the risk of connectivity issues during the process of animation. Moreover, the 11-gen core i7 processor provides lightening fast speed. Its Killer Doubleshot Pro technology helps you to use Ethernet and Wi-Fi at the same time to enhance the experience of fast connectivity.
The reviewed product is a heavy-duty laptop specially designed for animators and pro gamers. I have the experience of using this laptop and I have found its visuals and graphics amazing due to the NVIDIA GeForce RTX technology. Moreover, I don’t have to worry about internet connection issues as it provided me the opportunity to connect two sources simultaneously eliminating the chances of signal cut-off.
Specification
Brand: Acer
Display size: 15.6 inches
Screen resolution: 1920×1080 pixels
Processor: 46 GHz Apple
Hard drive: 512 GB SSD
Battery: Lithium-ion battery
Model: NH.QESAA.005
Pros
Ports for all accessories.
Perfect cooling with Acer Coolboost technology.
Compatible with both Ethernet and Wi-Fi simultaneously.
An 80% screen-to-body ratio is ideal for animation.
Outstanding speed due to Tensor cores and RT cores.
Cons
Battery life is somehow low but yet more than standard laptops.
So, if you are a student of animation or graphic designing you must go for this Acer Nitro 5 without thinking for the second time as it will ease your work due to its advances and distinctive features. Moreover, you can use its Nitrosense UI feature to customize the fan speed, temperature, and performance of the laptop.
Buying Guide of Best Laptops For Animation
Display
The first thing that should be considered while purchasing a laptop for animation is its display because it is the display that decides how attractive and clear your animation is going to be. Moreover, it is the display that provides colorful and rich graphics to animation. An ideal laptop for animation must be at least 15 inches in size and the display should be full HD. Furthermore, the refresh rate of the laptop for animation must also be good enough to make a new image per second faster. The refresh rate of 60 Hz is the minimum for better performance of laptops for animation.
RAM
Random Access Memory (RAM) is another important element that should be considered while purchasing a laptop for animation. A perfect functioning laptop needs a lot of RAM. A laptop for animation is not only supposed to work for animation and has to do a lot of other tasks as well. The minimum RAM of a laptop for animation should be 8GB but it can handle only 2D animation. On the other hand, if you are having 16GB RAM then it is recommended for both 2D and 3D animations without any crashing.
CPU
Central Processing Unit (CPU) is also a very important component of a laptop for various reasons. A laptop requires strong processing power for completing its tasks. A laptop with having strong processor CPU can manage several tasks simultaneously. As video editing is an essential part of animation, a high-performing processor enhances rendering time. On the other hand, if the quality of the Central Processing Unit is not up to the mark it creates lag which results in the overall reduction in the performance of the laptop
GPU
The graphic Processing Unit (GPU) is considered the most important aspect when purchasing a laptop for animation and graphic designing. The Graphic Processing Unit helps in better processing the images and videos on the screen. For instance, when you are working on an animated character it is the Graphics Processing Unit that calculates all the movements and actions of the animated character. If the working of the Graphic Processing Unit is not up to the mark the animated images will look unfinished and blurry.
Storage
Another component of a laptop that must be considered while purchasing the laptop is storage. A laptop having less storage will not be able to handle the heavy tasks of animation properly. It is also recommended to purchase a laptop having an SSD drive which makes the functioning of the laptop smooth and provides better results for animation. Moreover, if you invest in an SSD drive you need not worry about data loss or file corruption.
Battery Life
The last but not least component which should be considered while purchasing a laptop is its battery life. A reasonable and reliable laptop must have a battery life of more than 6 hours. Laptops having less battery life will interrupt your animation tasks frequently and you will not be able to get your work done on time. So, before buying any laptop for animation you must go for a laptop having extended battery life.
In my opinion, Acer Nitro 5 is best for animation because it is an advanced laptop of the Acer series having a 15.6 inches FHD display and 512 GB solid state hard drive. The internet connectivity of this laptop supports Wi-Fi 6 which eliminates the risk of connectivity issues during the process of animation. Moreover, the 11-gen core i7 processor provides lightening fast speed.
Which touch screen laptop is best for animation?
Lenovo Flex 3 is the best touch screen laptop for animation due to its capacitive touch screen and an amazing aspect ratio of 16:9. Moreover, its touch screen is very smooth and functional which enhances the experience of animation.
Which component of the laptop is most important for animation?
Animation is a heavy-duty task and requires a strong central processing unit. A laptop requires strong processing power for completing its tasks. A laptop with having strong processor CPU can manage several tasks simultaneously. As video editing is an essential part of animation, a high-performing processor also enhances rendering time
Which laptop for animation is budget-friendly?
Razer Blade 15 is considered a budget-friendly laptop for animation due to its simple design and standard features. Moreover, it is equipped with all the features necessary for animation.
Which laptop brand is good for animation?
The laptops of the Apple brand are considered reliable and productive for animation and graphic design as they feature all the advanced specifications of the latest technology.
The selection of a laptop for animation depends upon a lot of features and specifications. Every laptop comes with different features and it is the choice of the user which matters when purchasing any laptop for animation. Some people prefer the Central Processing Unit’s performance when purchasing a laptop for animation while others consider Random Access Memory before arriving at the final selection.
We are providing you the list of the 12 best laptops for animation for your convenience. It is not feasible to buy all the laptops as it is not a budget-friendly and good decision. So, we are recommending to you the 3 heavy performing laptops for animation which in our opinion will not disappoint you.
The other nine laptops are also a good option for animation but we have recommended the above-mentioned three laptops due to their heavy processors and graphics.
Acer Aspire 5 is an amazing laptop of the Acer brand. It features a powerful Ryzen 3 processor which helps you complete your heavy tasks of animation without any problem with battery life. The full HD display and best graphics 15.6-inch screen take the animation experience to the next level. Moreover, this laptop is compatible with a wide range of voltage from 100 V to 240V. The AMD Radeon Vega 6 graphics enhance the experience of video and photo editing.
Samsung Galaxy Book Pro is an elegantly designed mystic silver laptop. It features a heavy-duty performance of the 11th generation core processor which comes with Windows 11. Moreover, it is a very lightweight laptop weighing just around 2 lbs. It comes with an AMOLED screen and Dolby Atmos audio which provide exciting results in animation.
HP Chromebook is a snow-white laptop that is one of the most lightweight and best laptops for animation students. It is a 2-in-1 laptop which means that you can work and play at the same time switching between the windows of gaming and school work. This function is featured by its MediaTek mobile processor and 11-inch display. An interesting fact about this laptop that makes it the best laptop for animation is its 1 million pixel graphics and high-definition display.
Apple MacBook Pro is a perfect option for pro gamers and animators. Its powerful Mac OS 12 Monterey operating system enhances the work efficiently without compromising the battery life. Moreover, it comes with a liquid retina XDR display which is a distinctive feature of this animation laptop. The 10-core CPU of this laptop delivers a speedy performance of up to two times faster than the standard laptops.
Lenovo Legion 5 is a best-performing gaming and animation laptop which comes with a powerful AMD Ryzen 5800 processor and GeForce RTX graphics which make the animation experience exciting. Its Legion AI engine is the major component behind its high-performance Q Control Technology. Moreover, its Legion AI engine helps in shifting the power from CPU to GPU and vice versa.
Asus Rog Strix G 15 is a multitasking laptop that features AMD Ryzen CPU and GeForce RTX GPU. Its lightning-fast speed of 3ms and frequency of 300 Hz make it the best laptop for animation students and pro gamers. Moreover, it comes with a ROG intelligent cooling system which helps you avoid the stress of heating and you enjoy your game perfectly.
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G 14 is a special edition laptop for animation and graphic designing with having AMD Ryzen processor and Pantone validated WQHD display. An interesting fact about this laptop is its connection with Alan Walker which makes it suitable not only for animation but also for DJ culture. Its grey color and ultra slim design give it a very aesthetic look. Moreover, it comes with 14 inches screen size which is ideal for graphic design and animation.
Lenovo Chromebook flex 3 is popular due to its flexible, rapid, and productive functioning. Its MediaTek processor provides lightning-fast speed of processing and the battery life of this laptop is almost 10 hours. Moreover, it comes with built-in virus protection software which provides safety from malware attacks and viruses. Another interesting feature of this laptop is its 1-inch thin design which makes it easy for us to carry the laptop anywhere.
Lenovo IdeaPad 3i is a beautifully designed platinum grey laptop with having Intel Core i5 Quad Core processor. Moreover, its anti-glare display and 14 inches screen provide the best experience of animation and graphic design. If we talk about its graphics it features integrated Intel UHD graphics which is considered as the top of the line graphic technology in laptops. Moreover, its 512 GB flash memory eliminates the risk of speed reduction.
Acer Predator Helios 300 is an advanced animation laptop that comes with Intel Core i7 Processor and NVIDIA GeForce 30 series graphics. While using this laptop for animation you can connect it with both Ethernet and Wi-Fi simultaneously. Moreover, the cooling system of this laptop features a 5th generation Aeroblade 3D fan which eliminates the stress of overheating and keeps the temperature of the laptop normal. Another interesting fact about this laptop is its Predatorsense which helps you customize your gaming and animation according to your need.
Razer blade 15 is an Intel Core i7 Processor laptop that provides the performance of 5.0 GHz with Turbo Max and 6 core technology. The Ray Tracing technology of this laptop provides the cinematic touch to the animation experience due to GeForce RTX 2070 and max Q design. Moreover, the CNC aluminum body of this laptop having 0.78 inches in thickness enhances the durability and reliability of this laptop.
Acer Nitro 5 is an advanced laptop of the Acer series having a 15.6 inches FHD display and 512 GB solid state hard drive. The internet connectivity of this laptop supports Wi-Fi 6 which eliminates the risk of connectivity issues during the process of animation. Moreover, the 11-gen core i7 processor provides lightening fast speed. Its Killer Doubleshot Pro technology helps you to use Ethernet and Wi-Fi at the same time to enhance the experience of fast connectivity.
