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10 Best Affordable Laptops for Photoshop in 2026: Top Picks Under $1000
When it comes to photo editing and graphic design, having the best affordable laptops for Photoshop is essential. In 2026, budget-conscious creatives can find surprising power and features in laptops that won’t break the bank. From lightweight models to robust performance machines, our curated list showcases the ten best affordable laptops for Photoshop available on Amazon right now.
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1. Acer Aspire 5
Acer Aspire 5 A515-45-R14K
The Acer Aspire 5 is a great entry-level laptop perfectly suited for running Photoshop. Featuring an AMD Ryzen 7 processor and 8GB of RAM, it handles multitasking with ease while allowing smooth photo edits.
With its 15.6 inch full HD display, vibrant colors pop, making editing a more enjoyable experience. The 512GB SSD ensures fast boot times and ample storage for all your projects.
However, while the build quality is decent, it’s not as robust as premium models, and the battery life could be better.
Pros:
- Excellent performance for the price
- Full HD display with good color accuracy
- Fast SSD storage
Cons:
- Build quality is basic
- Battery life isn’t the best
- Powerful Productivity: AMD Ryzen 3 3350U delivers desktop-class performance and amazing battery life in a slim notebook. With Precision Boost, get up to 3.5GHz for your high-demand applications
- Maximized Visuals: See even more on the stunning 15.6" Full HD display with 82.58% screen-to-body, 16:9 aspect ratio and narrow bezels
- Backlit Keyboard and Fingerprint Reader: Biometric fingerprint reader and Windows Hello sign-in options help keep your Acer PC secure
- 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.
2. Lenovo IdeaPad 3
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15.6” Laptop
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a perfect balance between affordability and performance. Featuring an AMD Ryzen 5 processor and 12GB RAM, this laptop excels at running Photoshop smoothly.
Its 15.6-inch screen is bright and colorful, which is ideal for graphic work. With 512GB of storage, you have enough room for your library of images and assets.
Despite its capabilities, the keyboard may not be to everyone’s liking, as it feels a bit mushy for fast typing. Additionally, the integrated graphics are not meant for heavy graphics work.
Pros:
- Powerful processor and sufficient RAM
- Ample storage space
- Solid performance for editing tasks
Cons:
- Keyboard feel could be improved
- Integrated graphics may not suit everyone
- 【High Speed RAM And Enormous Space】24GB high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once; 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive allows to fast bootup and data transfer
- 【Processor】Intel Core i5-1155G7 Processor (Base at 2.40 GHz, up to 4.50 GHz at Max Turbo Speed, 4 Cores, 8 Threads)
- 【Display】15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080), IPS, Anti-Glare, Touch, 45%NTSC, 300 nits, 60Hz, LED Backlight, Narrow Bezel
- 【Tech Specs】1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB-A 2.0, 1 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1 X HDMI 1.4, 1 x Headphone & Microphone Audio Jack, 1 x SD Card Reader; Wi-Fi 6
- 【Operating System】Windows 11 Home
3. HP Pavilion x360
HP Pavilion x360 2-in-1 Laptop
The HP Pavilion x360 is a convertible laptop that gives you the flexibility to work on-the-go. It comes with an Intel Core i5, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD which is great for photo editing in Photoshop.
Its 14-inch full HD touchscreen display allows for easy navigation and manipulation, enhancing creative flow. The 2-in-1 design is also a plus for those who need to transition between laptop and tablet mode.
Nonetheless, with the smaller SSD, you may need to invest in external storage options. Also, the battery life could be better for an all-day work experience.
Pros:
- Touchscreen with 2-in-1 functionality
- Solid hardware performance
- Good display quality
Cons:
- Limited internal storage
- Average battery life
- FULL HD TOUCH DISPLAY - Intuitive touchscreen technology lets you control your PC right from the vibrant 1920 x 1080 screen, plus be entertained any way you choose with this PC’s 360-degree design
- INTEL CORE PROCESSOR - Offering more than just a performance score, this 13th Generation Intel Core i3-1315U processor advances real-world computing and delivers more ultra-efficient multi-tasking
- INTEL UHD GRAPHICS - Smoothly stream 4K content and play your favorite games
- STORAGE AND MEMORY - Get up to 15x faster performance than a traditional hard drive with 256 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage; and enjoy higher bandwidth and boosted performance with 8 GB DDR4 RAM memory
- GET A FRESH PERSPECTIVE WITH WINDOWS 11 HOME - From a rejuvenated Start menu, to new ways to connect to your favorite people, news, games, and content—Windows 11 is the place to think, express, and create in a natural way
4. Dell Inspiron 15
Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Series
Dell’s Inspiron 15 offers reliable performance at a budget-friendly price, making it one of the best affordable laptops for Photoshop. With an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB RAM, it can handle Photoshop efficiently.
The 15.6-inch display delivers decent color representation, which is critical for design work. Upgrading to a 512GB SSD gives you room for all your necessary files.
However, some users have reported that the display could be brighter, and the battery life is moderate. As with many budget models, the build quality could be more robust.
Pros:
- Reliable performance for Photoshop
- Good value for the specifications
- Ample storage options
Cons:
- Display brightness is lower than expected
- Moderate battery life
−$70.13
- 【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.
5. ASUS VivoBook 15
ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop
The ASUS VivoBook 15 is a stylish option with impressive performance metrics to run Photoshop. With an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM, it’s designed for multitasking without stutter.
Its NanoEdge display offers a nearly bezel-less experience, making it great for creative tasks. You have options for storage, including a 512GB SSD to keep everything fast and accessible.
While it’s attractive, the durability is a point of concern, and some users may find the keyboard less comfortable over long editing sessions.
Pros:
- Attractive design with thin bezels
- Good multitasking capabilities
- Fast boot with SSD storage
Cons:
- Build quality may feel less durable
- Keyboard comfort may be an issue
−$34.99
- 15.6” NANOEDGE DISPLAY — Super slim bezel design with a smooth 60Hz refresh rate, vibrant 45% NTSC color gamut and 250-nit sustained brightness
- AMD Ryzen 5 7520U PROCESSOR — Designed for thin laptops, this processor gives you fast performance for browsing and light gaming with longer battery life with integrated AMD Radeon Graphics
- 8GB MEMORY + 512GB STORAGE — Faster memory that smoothly runs multiple applications at once with supersized storage for files, documents and more
- WI-FI 5 AND BLUETOOTH 5.1 — Seamlessly and quickly connect your devices
- SOUND BY SONICMASTER — Crisp, multi-dimensional sound with built-in speakers and an array microphone
6. Microsoft Surface Laptop Go
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 12.4”
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go is compact, lightweight, and powerful enough to run Adobe Photoshop. It comes equipped with an Intel Core i5, and 8GB of RAM, making it portable yet capable.
Its 12.4-inch PixelSense display provides stunning color accuracy and touch capabilities, which can enhance your editing workflow. Battery life is impressive, giving you a full day of work on a single charge.
However, since it targets portability, the storage options start at 128GB, which might not be sufficient for larger projects. Furthermore, the smaller screen may feel cramped for some users.
Pros:
- Lightweight for easy portability
- Touchscreen functionality
- Excellent battery life
Cons:
- Limited storage in base model
- Smaller screen size may not suit everyone
−$52.88
- Microsoft Surface Laptop Go | Certified Refurbished, Amazon Renewed | 12.4-inch (1536 x 1024) LCD Touchscreen Display | Windows 10 Professional
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box.
- 256GB Solid State Drive, 16GB RAM, Intel Core i5-1035G1 CPU, Convenient security with Windows Hello sign-in, plus Fingerprint Power Button with Windows Hello and One Touch sign-in on select models., Integrated Intel UHD Graphics
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi: 802.11ac Wireless LAN, Run your favorite apps and keep up on social media with a 10th Gen Intel Core Processor.
7. Lenovo Flex 5
Lenovo Flex 5 14” 2-in-1 Laptop
The Lenovo Flex 5 is a versatile convertible laptop that offers solid performance for photo editing at an affordable price. With an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, it can easily handle Photoshop.
The 14-inch full HD touchscreen display enhances your editing experience, making it easy to manipulate graphics. The ability to switch between laptop and tablet mode is a substantial bonus for creative workflows.
Nonetheless, it may feel a bit heavier as a tablet, and while the battery life isn’t the worst, it isn’t exceptional either, especially when used in higher performance mode.
Pros:
- High RAM capacity for multitasking
- 2-in-1 functionality
- Good display quality
Cons:
- Heavier in tablet mode
- Battery life could be improved
−$72.99
- Thin, light, and stylish – This 2-in-1 laptop weighs just 3.64 pounds and is only 0.82" thick. It's soft and comfortable to the touch, with a durable paint that creates a better user experience. Digital pen included
- The 10-point, 14-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS touchscreen allows the Lenovo Flex 5 14" 2-in-1 laptop to be comfortable, fun, and easy to use. It's also great to look at, with 4-side narrow bezels
- The 360⁰ hinge lets you use your 2-in-1 touchscreen laptop in whatever mode works best for you; Use it in 'Laptop' mode for everyday computing, 'Tent' mode for sharing things, 'Stand' mode for binge-watching, or 'Tablet' mode for more intuitive interaction
- Enjoy up to 10 hours of battery life, plus quick charge to 80% in just 1 hour
- Powered by the AMD Ryzen 5 4500U mobile processor with Radeon graphics, you have the performance to do more, from anywhere. With more cores, you'll experience responsiveness that leaps into action for productivity, gaming, and content creation
8. HP Envy x360
HP Envy x360 Convertible Laptop
The HP Envy x360 features AMD Ryzen processors and offers a convertible design, perfect for creative professionals who use Photoshop. With 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, performance is commendable.
The 15.6-inch full HD display supports vibrant colors and comes with touch support for enhanced flexibility. It also features a long battery life, making it ideal for traveling creatives.
However, users should be aware of its price range as it sometimes exceeds budget-friendly limits, and the fans can get noisy under heavy load.
Pros:
- Strong performance for Photoshop
- Great display quality
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Can be pricey compared to alternatives
- Fan noise may be noticeable during heavy use
−$150.02
- Get a fresh perspective with Windows 11: From a rejuvenated Start menu, to new ways to connect to your favorite people, news, games, and content—Windows 11 is the place to think, express, and create in a natural way
- A dynamic processor that adapts to you for superior multi-tasking performance: 12th Gen Intel Core processor distributes performance where you need it the most — saving you time and increasing your ability to do the things you actually want
- Intel Iris Xe graphics: Impressive performance for creating, gaming, and entertainment. A new level of graphics performance and crisp, stunning visuals – with the convenience of a thin & light laptop
- Edge-to-edge FHD touchscreen: Get expansive, vibrant images and control your entertainment right from the screen
- HP Fast Charge: Go from 0 to 50% charge in approximately 30 minutes
9. Dell G3 Gaming Laptop
Dell G3 15 Gaming Laptop
The Dell G3 Gaming Laptop may have gaming roots, but it serves as a powerhouse for Photoshop as well. Notably, it features an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650, which can handle 3D rendering and graphical tasks beyond photo editing.
Its 15.6-inch full HD display is perfect for immersing yourself in design work. Moreover, the SSD offers quick load times for applications and files alike.
However, the design is bulkier compared to ultrabooks, and battery life could be a drawback for those who need a lightweight option for travel.
Pros:
- Strong graphics performance
- Great for multitasking
- Excellent display
Cons:
- Bulkier design
- Average battery life
- Anti- Glare LED Backlit FHD Display
- 120Hz Refresh Rate 250 nits WVA
- 802.11ac 1x1 WiFi
- 8GB DDR4 RAM supports up to 16 GB, 2 x 8 GB, DDR4, 2933 MHz, SODIMM, ECC, dual-channel
10. ASUS ZenBook 14
ASUS ZenBook 14
Last but not least, the ASUS ZenBook 14 is an ultra-slim option that is perfect for photographers and designers. With its Intel Core i5, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB SSD, it provides the necessary performance for Photoshop.
Its vivid 14-inch full HD display offers good color accuracy, making photo editing straightforward. The lightweight design makes it exceptionally portable without sacrificing performance.
Nonetheless, some users have reported issues with the webcam quality, and while it does offer decent battery life, it can drain quickly under demanding tasks.
Pros:
- Portable and lightweight
- Good display quality
- Strong overall performance
Cons:
- Webcam quality could be better
- Battery life can diminish during heavy usage
- 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.
Each of these laptops stands out for their unique features and affordability, making them excellent choices for Photoshop users on a budget in 2026. Whether you’re a budding photographer or a graphic designer, there’s an option here that can meet your specific needs while respecting your financial constraints.
Buying Guide: Best Affordable Laptops for Photoshop
When selecting a laptop for Photoshop, it’s crucial to find a balance between performance and affordability. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best affordable laptops that can efficiently handle Photoshop without breaking the bank.
1. Performance Specs
- Processor (CPU): Look for at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5. These processors ensure smooth multitasking and efficient handling of complex tasks.
- RAM: Aim for a minimum of 8GB of RAM. For heavier tasks or multitasking, consider laptops with 16GB of RAM.
- Storage: SSDs (Solid State Drives) are preferred for faster data access. At least 256GB SSD is ideal, but 512GB is better for larger files.
2. Graphics
- Integrated vs. Dedicated GPU: While integrated graphics can handle basic tasks, a dedicated GPU can significantly enhance performance when working with large images or multiple layers. Look for laptops with NVIDIA GeForce GTX or RTX series, or AMD Radeon RX.
3. Display Quality
- Resolution: A minimum of Full HD (1920×1080) is recommended. Higher resolutions like 2K or 4K provide more detail but can affect battery life and cost.
- Color Accuracy: Look for a laptop that covers a wide color gamut (like sRGB 100%) for accurate photo editing. IPS panels often provide better color reproduction and viewing angles.
4. Battery Life
- Choose a laptop that offers at least 6-8 hours of battery life, allowing you to work on the go without constantly recharging.
5. Portability
- Consider the weight and size of the laptop. A lightweight design (under 4 lbs) is preferable for easy portability, especially if you travel frequently.
6. Build Quality
- A sturdy build ensures longevity. Look for models with robust materials and a good warranty.
7. Connectivity
- Ensure the laptop has multiple USB ports (preferably USB-C), HDMI output, and an SD card slot for easy data transfer from cameras.
8. Operating System
- Windows and macOS both have compatible versions of Photoshop. Choose based on your preference, software requirements, and budget considerations.
Top Affordable Laptop Picks for Photoshop
1. Dell Inspiron 15
- Specs: Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD
- Pros: Good build quality, decent battery life, Full HD display.
- Cons: Integrated graphics may limit some advanced tasks.
2. HP Pavilion x360
- Specs: Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD
- Pros: 2-in-1 functionality, good touch screen display, affordable.
- Cons: Battery life could be better.
3. Acer Aspire 5
- Specs: AMD Ryzen 5, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD
- Pros: Great performance for the price, lightweight, good battery life.
- Cons: Build quality feels slightly less premium.
4. Lenovo IdeaPad 3
- Specs: AMD Ryzen 5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD
- Pros: Good performance, nice keyboard, solid display.
- Cons: Lack of dedicated graphics.
5. ASUS VivoBook 15
- Specs: Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD
- Pros: Stylish design, good performance, decent screen.
- Cons: Battery life could be improved.
Conclusion
When selecting an affordable laptop for Photoshop, prioritize performance, display quality, and battery life. While these options are budget-friendly, ensure they meet your specific needs for photo editing. Always check for the latest models and deals to get the best value for your money. Happy editing!
