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10 Best Affordable Laptops for Photoshop Under $1000 in 2026
Finding the best affordable laptops for Photoshop can be a challenging task given the myriad options available in the market today. In 2026, the demand for laptops that can seamlessly run graphic-intensive software like Adobe Photoshop has increased significantly. Not everyone can splurge on high-end devices, so we have compiled a list of the top 10 budget-friendly laptops that excel in running Photoshop without breaking the bank. These laptops balance performance, graphics, and affordability, making them the go-to choices for budding photographers, graphic designers, and anyone passionate about editing images.
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Top 10 Affordable Laptops for Photoshop
Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-36UT
Acer continues to impress with the Aspire 5 A515-56-36UT, which is an excellent entry-level laptop for Photoshop enthusiasts. The laptop is powered by an Intel Core i3 processor, coupled with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. This configuration ensures enough speed and storage for your design work.
With its Full HD IPS display, the colors are vibrant and sharp, making it easier to edit photos and graphics. The battery life of up to 8 hours allows you to work for long stretches without looking for a charger.
**Pros:**
- Affordable price point
- Lightweight and portable
- Good battery life
**Cons:**
- Limited performance for heavy work
- Integrated graphics
- Powerful Productivity: 11th Generation Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor delivers unmatched speed and intelligence, enabling impressive creating, productivity, and gaming experiences. With Turbo Boost Technology, get up to 4.1GHz for your high-demand applications
- Visibly Stunning: Experience sharp details and crisp colors on the 15.6" Full HD display with 82.58% screen-to-body, 16:9 aspect ratio and narrow bezels
- Ergonomic Typing: Ergonomically-designed hinge lifts the keyboard for comfortable typing, improved cooling, and a better sound experience
- Internal Specifications: 4GB DDR4 on-board memory (1 slot available); 128GB NVMe solid-state drive storage (1 hard drive bay available) to store your files and media
- Acer's Purified.Voice technology, features enhanced digital signal processing to cancel out background noise, improve speech accuracy and far-field pickup, which not only makes calls clearer, but makes talking to Alexa easier than before.
HP Pavilion 15
The HP Pavilion 15 is another affordable laptop that doesn’t skimp on performance. Featuring an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, this laptop offers impressive speed and storage for handling Photoshop tasks. Its Full HD display boasts excellent color reproduction, enhancing your editing experience.
The Pavilion 15 is equipped with an array of ports, including USB Type-C and HDMI, making it easy to connect external devices. It also features Bang & Olufsen audio for an immersive experience during video editing or presentation creation.
**Pros:**
- Powerful AMD processor
- Good audio quality
- Ample storage space
**Cons:**
- Heavier than other laptops
- Battery drains rapidly under heavy use
- 【Processor】 Intel Core i3-1115G4 (up to 4.1 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 6 MB L3 cache, 2 cores, 4 threads)
- 【Display】 15.6" diagonal, HD (1366 x 768), touch, micro-edge, BrightView, 220 nits, 45% NTSC, Touch Screen, enjoy your photos, movies, and games with the crisp quality.
- 【RAM and Storage】RAM is upgraded to 16GB high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once; Hard Drive is upgraded to 1TB PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive allows to fast bootup and data transfer.
- 【Ports】1 SuperSpeed USB Type-C 5Gbps signaling rate; 2 SuperSpeed USB Type-A 5Gbps signaling rate; 1 HDMI 1.4b; 1 AC smart pin; 1 headphone/microphone combo
- 【Operating System】Windows 11 Home Operation System
ASUS VivoBook 15
The ASUS VivoBook 15 is designed with creative professionals in mind. This laptop features an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. The NanoEdge display offers a sleeker design with thinner bezels, making your workspace feel more expansive.
What sets the VivoBook apart is its ASUS ScreenPad, which acts as a secondary display and can be incredibly useful in multitasking and enhancing productivity. It also supports a wide color gamut, which is crucial for photo editing.
**Pros:**
- Ergonomic design with a backlit keyboard
- Secondary touchscreen for multitasking
- Great value for features
**Cons:**
- Can overheat during intense tasks
- Battery life could be better
- Microsoft Copilot Make complex tasks simple. Get answers, generate images, summarize texts, and more! Unleash your creativity with the power of intelligent assistance
- Stunning 15.6-inch FHD Touch Display Indulge in stunning visuals in breathtaking 1920 x 1080 resolution (16:9) and a 250-nit sustained brightness with vivid colors and a smooth 60Hz refresh rate
- Fast Intel Core i5-1334U Processor With the latest platform technologies for everyday applications, fast connectivity and performance optimization, the Intel Core i5-1334U processor enables casual gaming, creation and productivity
- Intel Iris Xᵉ Graphics Powerful integrated graphics for all your everyday needs from day to night
- Multitask Effortlessly with 16GB Of Memory And 512GB Of Storage Experience lightning-fast performance and speedy multitasking, whether you're gaming, editing, or browsing. Save files quickly and store vast amounts of data. With extensive storage and advanced communication power, PCIe 3.0 SSDs perform well for everyday applications, multiple servers, daily backups, and more
Lenovo IdeaPad 3
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a compact laptop that brings excellent performance at a budget-friendly price. It comes with an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. This configuration is suitable for moderate Photoshop work, making it an excellent choice for students or beginners in graphic design.
The IdeaPad Sports a 15.6-inch Full HD display, suitable for color-critical tasks. Its keyboard is comfortable, and the laptop features a webcam privacy shutter, which adds an extra layer of security when working on personal projects.
**Pros:**
- Privacy shutter for webcam
- Compact and lightweight
- Affordable price point
**Cons:**
- Limited battery life
- Basic design
- 【Memory & Storage】Memory is 12GB high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once. Hard Drive is 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive which allows to fast bootup and data transfer
- 【Processor】 Intel Core i3-1115G4 3.00 GHz 2 Cores Processor (6MB Cache, up to 4.10 GHz), Intel UHD Graphics
- 【Screen】15.6" HD TouchScreen (1366 x 768) Display
- 【Ports】2 x SuperSpeed USB Type-A 3.2, 1 x SuperSpeed USB Type-A, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Headphone/Microphone Combo, 1 x SD Card Reader, Wireless-AC (Wi-Fi 5) and Bluetooth Combo
- 【Operating System】Windows 11 Home, 64 bit
Dell Inspiron 15 3000
The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 series offers a solid configuration for Photoshop users on a budget. With an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, this laptop can handle most graphic design tasks efficiently. The display is a bright Full HD, ensuring your images look their best.
This laptop also comes with a wide range of ports for connectivity, including HDMI and USB Type-A and C. In addition, the Dell Mobile Connect feature allows you to integrate your smartphone with your laptop, making file transfers easy.
**Pros:**
- Great performance for the price
- Multi-connectivity options
- Sturdy build quality
**Cons:**
- Weighty compared to some competitors
- Less impressive battery life
−$44.01
- 【15.6" Full HD Touchscreen】The 1920 x 1080 resolution boasts impressive color and clarity. IPS technology for wide viewing angles. Energy-efficient LED backlight. Designed with tiny rubber feet and bumpers on the hinge that keep it from skidding and provide additional stability.
- 【11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor】Ultra-low-voltage platform. Quad-core, eight-way processing provides maximum high-efficiency power to go. Your always-ready experience starts as soon as you open your device. Turn on, boot-up, and log-in quickly.
- 【16GB DDR4 RAM + 1TB PCIe SSD】16GB RAM can smoothly run your games and photo- and video-editing applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs all at once. A 1TB NVMe PCIe solid slate drive that leaves the power at your fingertips with the fastest data transfers currently available.
- 【Easy-to-use Technology】Long-lasting battery and express charge capability, to keep going for longer. Comes with Express Charge capabilities that minimize the time you spend tethered to an outlet and will recharge your battery 80% in 60 minutes. Built-in media reader for simple photo transfer.
- 【Windows 11 Professional】Experience the most secure Windows ever built with fast boot times, increased responsiveness, and added protection against phishing and malware. Plus, you can switch out of S mode.
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is a lightweight and ultra-portable option for Photoshop users who are always on the move. It comes fitted with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of SSD storage, making it more than capable for basic tasks. The 12.4-inch touchscreen display is vibrant and responds well to touch inputs.
One of its key features is the battery life, which can last up to 13 hours on a single charge, making it perfect for creatives who travel frequently. Though the storage is less than other options listed, its cloud integration solutions help mitigate this limitation.
**Pros:**
- Extremely portable
- Touchscreen display
- Excellent battery life
**Cons:**
- Limited internal storage
- Performance lags during heavy multitasking
- Light, portable Surface touchscreen Laptop with Windows 11 [2] and 12.4” PixelSense Display. [1] Starting at just 2.48 pounds.
- Work, play, stream, and run day-to-day apps with 11th Gen Intel Core i5 processor.
- Look and sound your best on video calls with improved HD camera and built-in Studio Mics, plus rich sound for music and shows.
- Long battery life 13.5.[3] Plus, recharge quickly with Fast Charging – up to 80% in just over an hour.[7]
- Convenient security. Fingerprint Power Button with Windows Hello and One Touch sign-in on select models.
HP 14 Laptop
The HP 14 Laptop is an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable yet capable machine for Photoshop. Equipped with an Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD, this laptop delivers a reasonable amount of performance for photo editing projects. The 14-inch display is bright and has good color accuracy, suitable for image editing.
This laptop is lightweight, making it ideal for students and professionals who need to carry it around. Moreover, it has a decent battery life allowing you to work on your projects without worrying about finding a power outlet constantly.
**Pros:**
- Compact design
- Affordable price
- Decent battery life
**Cons:**
- Limited power for high-end tasks
- Screen could be brighter
- READY FOR ANYWHERE – With its thin and light design, 6.5 mm micro-edge bezel display, and 79% screen-to-body ratio, you’ll take this PC anywhere while you see and do more of what you love (1)
- MORE SCREEN, MORE FUN – With virtually no bezel encircling the screen, you’ll enjoy every bit of detail on this 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) display (2)
- ALL-DAY PERFORMANCE – Tackle your busiest days with the dual-core, Intel Celeron N4020—the perfect processor for performance, power consumption, and value (3)
- 4K READY – Smoothly stream 4K content and play your favorite next-gen games with Intel UHD Graphics 600 (4) (5)
- STORAGE AND MEMORY – An embedded multimedia card provides reliable flash-based, 64 GB of storage while 4 GB of RAM expands your bandwidth and boosts your performance (6)
Lenovo Flex 5
The Lenovo Flex 5 is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop that provides excellent functionality for Photoshop users. It comes with an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. The flexibility of the convertible design allows you to use it in various modes, such as tablet mode for touch operations.
The 14-inch FHD IPS touchscreen is perfect for all creative tasks, and it supports a wide color gamut, ensuring accurate color representation while editing. The backlit keyboard also adds convenience for working in low-light environments.
**Pros:**
- 2-in-1 design
- Good performance with ample RAM
- Responsive touchscreen
**Cons:**
- Heavier as a tablet
- Battery life could be improved
- 【Upgraded】Seal is opened for upgrade only, 1-Year warranty on Upgraded RAM/SSD from SnowBell, and original 1-Year Manufacture warranty on remaining components. 【x360 16" 2.5K IPS 400nits Touch Display】Utilizing its 360° hinge, easily switch between laptop, tent, stand, and tablet modes for different activities like work, entertainment, presentations, and reading. A 2.5K(2560x1600) 400-nit display offers crystal-clear color and ultra-sharp visuals.
- 【Intel Core i7-1255U Processor】The 10-core Intel Core i7-1255U processor fuels seamless streaming, content creation, and entertainment. Get your things done fast with high performance, instant responsiveness and best-in-class connectivity.
- 【16GB DDR4 RAM】With a generous 16GB of RAM, you can seamlessly switch between tasks without experiencing any lag or delays.【1TB PCIe SSD】This whopping storage ensures that you can store all your important data without having to worry about running out of space anytime soon.
- 【Backlight Keyboard】Comfortable and accurate typing is a sure thing. 【Touch Style Fingerprint Reader】 Known for its high accuracy, speed, and reliability, it presents a convenient, secure, and reliable way to authenticate user identity. 【Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics】It delivers transformational GPU and integrated graphics to support fluid designing for creators and rich gaming experiences.
- 【Windows 11 Pro Included】Pro refers to the professional edition. Pro adds management devices and applications to the Home version, and supports remote and mobile working. 14.09 x 9.99 x 0.74", 4.63 lbs. Ports: 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (One Always On), 1x Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 40Gbps, 1x HDMI 1.4b, 1x Card reader, 1x Headphone/microphone combo jack (3.5mm), 1x Power connector; Wi-Fi 6, 11ax 2x2 + Bluetooth 5.1; Storm Grey. Bonus 32GB SnowBell USB Card.
ASUS ZenBook 14
The ASUS ZenBook 14 combines portability and performance, making it a fantastic choice for Photoshop users. Powered by an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, this laptop can easily handle graphic-intensive tasks. Its sleek and lightweight design adds to its portability.
The 14-inch Full HD display offers stunning visuals, while the ErgoLift hinge provides better airflow to keep it cool. Its battery life is commendable, lasting up to 10 hours, which is ideal for long editing sessions.
**Pros:**
- Sleek and portable
- Brilliant display quality
- Solid battery life
**Cons:**
- Limited upgrade options
- Higher price than other budget options
- Go the extra mile with the remarkably sleek Zenbook 14 OLED. Seize every moment using the enhanced extended-life battery, amplify your efficiency with the top-tier Intel Core Ultra Processor Series.
- Intel Core Ultra 5 Processor 125H 1.2 GHz (18MB Cache, up to 4.5 GHz, 14 cores, 18 Threads); 8GB Soldered LPDDR5 Memory, 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD.
- Display: 14" WUXGA (1920x1200) OLED, 16:10, 500nit, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, Eye Care, touch, Glossy; Integrated Intel Graphics - Support to expandable with 2 monitors via HDMI & Thunderbolt 4 Ports. Maximum supported resolution of 4k (3840x2160) @60Hz.
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 2 x Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1 TMDS, Combo Audio Jack; Wi-Fi 6E(802.11ax) + Bluetooth 5.3; Backlit Keyboard; US MIL-STD 810H military-grade standard; FHD IR Webcam with Privacy Shutter.
- Brand New Computer has been resealed to upgrade Windows, One-year WRT from ASUS. Windows 11 Professional 64-bit, with AI-powered Copilot, offers intelligent assistance for a variety of tasks. It's ideal for School Education, Designers, Professionals.
Buying Guide: Best Affordable Laptops for Photoshop
When it comes to editing photos using Adobe Photoshop, having the right laptop is crucial for a smooth and efficient workflow. Choosing the best affordable option can be challenging, yet there are plenty of models that offer good performance without breaking the bank. Here’s a guide to help you make the right choice.
1. Determine Your Budget
Set a budget that suits your needs. Affordable laptops typically range from $500 to $1,000. Remember, while it’s important to stay within budget, compromising on key specifications can hinder your Photoshop experience.
2. Essential Specifications
For a good Photoshop experience, ensure the laptop meets the following minimum specifications:
-
Processor (CPU):
- Recommended: Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 (or better).
- These processors handle multitasking and demanding software like Photoshop effectively.
-
Memory (RAM):
- Recommended: At least 8GB of RAM (16GB is ideal for more intensive tasks).
- More RAM allows for smoother multitasking and better performance with large files.
-
Graphics Card (GPU):
- Recommended: Integrated graphics are okay for basic tasks, but a dedicated GPU (like NVIDIA GTX or AMD Radeon) is better for advanced editing and 3D work.
-
Storage:
- Recommended: SSD (Solid State Drive) with at least 256GB.
- SSDs significantly speed up load times and overall performance compared to traditional HDDs.
-
Display:
- Recommended: Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display for accurate colors and better viewing angles.
- Look for models with good color reproduction (SRGB coverage).
3. Portability
Consider how often you’ll be on the go. If you need a laptop that’s easy to carry, aim for one that weighs under 4 pounds and has a decent battery life (at least 8 hours).
4. Build Quality
Invest in a laptop with a sturdy build, as frequent transport can lead to wear and tear. A good keyboard is also important for long editing sessions.
5. Connectivity Options
Make sure the laptop has sufficient ports for your needs (USB-C, USB 3.0, HDMI, and an SD card reader can be very useful).
6. Operating System
Photoshop is compatible with both Windows and macOS, but consider what you’re more comfortable using. Windows laptops generally offer better value for money.
7. Brands and Models to Consider
Here are some budget-friendly laptops that perform well in Photoshop:
-
Acer Aspire 5
- Processor: Intel Core i5
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD IPS
- Ideal for: General use and medium editing tasks.
-
HP Pavilion x360
- Processor: Intel Core i5
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 14-inch Full HD touchscreen
- Ideal for: Versatility with 2-in-1 functionality.
-
Dell Inspiron 15 3000
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD
- Ideal for: Solid performance and good value.
-
Lenovo IdeaPad 3
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD
- Ideal for: Budget-friendly performance.
-
ASUS VivoBook 15
- Processor: Intel Core i5
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD
- Ideal for: Good portability and performance.
8. Reviews and Recommendations
Before purchasing, check customer reviews and professional opinions to gauge the laptop’s performance, reliability, and user satisfaction.
Conclusion
By considering the specifications and options outlined in this guide, you’ll be better equipped to find an affordable laptop that meets your Photoshop needs. Remember to balance performance with your budget to ensure a satisfying editing experience!
