To create stunning images that you can be proud to show off, you’ll need the right computer. Whether you are a designer, photographer, digital artist, or enthusiast, having power behind your operating system will ensure that you can edit your photos quickly and without delays.
The details matter when it comes to the best computer for editing photos, such as color accuracy, display quality, processing speed, and RAM and memory, all of which can impact the quality of your photos.
In this article, I’ll review the 10 best computers for photo editing for professionals and creators – blending value, performance, and dependability – to help you find the right computer to suit your needs.
Why the Right Computer Matters for Photo Editing
Applications for editing pictures, such as Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Capture One, and Affinity Photo, will need a capable computer to run quickly and smoothly. As you work with larger RAW files and more layers, your computer’s processor, RAM, and graphics cards, to some extent, affect overall performance. A good photo editing computer will allow for your image processing to be faster, without having to sacrifice color fidelity, render time, or receive poor performance while multitasking.
Selecting the best computer for photo editing will result in less time waiting and more time producing your own creativity.
Key Features to Look for in a Photo Editing Computer
Now, before we discuss our recommendations, let’s take a moment to consider what makes a computer good for photo editing:
- Processor (CPU) – A fast CPU with multiple cores is important for complex editing workloads. For desktops, we recommend Intel Core i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 7/9; for Macs, we recommend Apple M2 or M3 chips.
- Memory (RAM) – For most situations, you will want at least 16 GB, but for heavy multitasking, you’ll want 32 GB or more.
- A graphics card (GPU) – A good graphics card can greatly aid in rendering operations, especially with AI-powered editing software.
- Quality of display – For photo editing, a display that is high resolution and realistically represents color (100% sRGB or DCI-P3).
- Storage (SSD) – Solid-state drives provide a major speed improvement when loading and transferring files.
- Portability – Laptops are nice as they allow you to work flexibly, while desktop computers offer greater performance, especially suited for a studio workspace.
Top 10 Computers for Photo Editing Professionals and Creators
1. Apple MacBook Pro (M3, 2024)
If you require power, brilliant color accuracy, and fast performance, the MacBook Pro M3 is hard to beat. Apple designed this to be their flagship for creative professionals, and it excels in every part of photo editing you care about.
Key Specifications:
- Processor: Apple M3 Pro or M3 Max chip
- Display: 14-inch or 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR
- RAM: Up to 96 GB integrated memory
- Storage: Up to 8TB SSD
- Color accuracy: 1,000 nits constant brightness, P3 color gamut
Why we love it:
The MacBook Pro’s display is incredibly sharp with real-to-life colors, and its performance working on demanding photo-editing tasks is unrivaled. Its battery life is also better than that of any other laptop class.
Best for: Professionals using Adobe Creative Cloud, Capture One, or Final Cut.
2. Dell XPS 15 (2024)
The Dell XPS 15 is a high-performance Windows laptop aimed at creative professionals. It is designed with an attractive design and powerful specifications to help it stand out.
Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core i9 (13th Generation)
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
- Display: 15.6-inch OLED 4K (100% DCI-P3)
- Memory: Up to 64GB
- Storage: Up to 4TB SSD
Pros:
The XPS 15 exceeds visual quality with its beautiful 4K OLED panel. Between the CPU and GPU, you can expect seamless, hassle-free editing in Photoshop, even with large RAW files or multiple layers.
Best For: Windows users who prioritize display quality and performance.
3. Apple iMac 24-inch (M3, 2024)
If an all-in-one desktop is your preference, the Apple iMac M3 is an attractive and powerful choice that performs remarkably in most environments. It maintains a compact shape, a quiet operation, and professional-level performance.
Key Specifications:
- Processor: Apple M3 Chip
- Display: 24-inch Retina 4.5K
- RAM: Up to 24 GB integrated memory
- Storage: Up to 2TB SSD
- Color Accuracy: P3 wide color gamut
Why it’s great:
The iMac M3 offers simplicity and elegance, premium-level performance, and a stunning visual display with a 4.5K retina display with accurate colors – it’s sure to impress even the most detail-oriented editor.
Ideal for: Creators who want an aesthetically immersive experience in an all-in-one immersive workstation.
4. Microsoft Surface Studio 2+
The Surface Studio 2+ reimagines flexibility with its sizable, tilting touchscreen display — perfect for touch editing or retouching.
Key specs:
- Processor: Intel Core i7-11370H
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
- Display: 28-inch PixelSense (4500 x 3000)
- RAM: 32GB
- Storage: 1TB SSD
Why it’s great:
The large display produces accurate colors, and the tilting capability makes detailed retouching feel natural. For any photo editors who thrive on tactile editing, this will be your favorite.
Best for: Artists and photographers who want a touch or pen-based approach.
5. HP Envy 34 All-in-One
This beautiful all-in-one PC combines aesthetics with sheer power, making it one of the best computers for photo editing in the Windows world.
Key Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i9 (12th Gen)
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
- Display: 34-inch 5K ultra-wide
- RAM: up to 64GB
- Storage: up to 2TB SSD
Why it’s great:
The HP Envy 34’s huge ultra-wide screen provides ample space for editing and multitasking. It’s 5K resolution and 98% DCI-P3 coverage ensures that every color is displayed accurately.
Ideal for: Professional photographers who want a studio-grade all-in-one setup.
6. ASUS ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED
Intended for creators of any kind, the ASUS ProArt StudioBook gives efficiency and color accuracy. It is meant for professionals who need accuracy and speed.
Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9.
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX A2000 or RTX A3000.
- Screen: 16 inches of 4K OLED HDR at 100% DCI-P3 color space.
- Memory: Up to 64GB.
- Storage: Up to 4TB SSD.
Why this is great: The dial control (ASUS Dial) on this laptop allows for seamless adjustments within Adobe apps such as Lightroom and Photoshop. Its OLED panel gives deep blacks and contrast.
Best for: Photo editors and digital artists looking for a tactile way to be creative.
7. Mac Studio (M2 Ultra, 2024)
If you want the most raw horsepower, the Mac Studio is Apple’s desktop powerhouse that comes in a compact size. It’s designed for professionals who regularly work on large projects and want the fastest performance possible.
Key Specs:
- Processor: Apple M2 Ultra
- RAM: Up to 192GB of integrated memory
- Drive: Up to 8TB SSD
- GPU: Up to 76-core GPU
Why it’s great:
The Mac Studio works through large photo libraries and complex composites, and loads of AI tools without any lag. Pair it with an Apple Studio Display for a one-of-a-kind editing experience.
Who it’s best for: Professional photographers looking for high-quality studios and performance.
8. Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 6
The Lenovo ThinkPad P1 is a desktop-like mobile workstation. It is powerful, reliable, and certified for professional creative software.
Key Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i9 (13th Generation)
- GPU: Nvidia RTX 4080
- Display: 16-inch 4K (100% AdobeRGB)
- RAM: up to 64GB
- Storage: up to 4TB SSD
Why it’s great:
It is built to last, delivering exceptional performance under heavy workloads. The AdobeRGB display ensures excellent color representation – perfect for retouching and color grading.
Ideal for: Professional editors who need workstation-level performance on the go.
9. Acer ConceptD 7 Ezel
The Lenovo ThinkPad P1 offers the performance of a desktop, but in a mobile workstation form factor. It is a powerful, reliable, and professional-grade tool, boasting certifications with creative software.
Key Specs:
- CPU: Intel Core i9 (13th Gen)
- GPU: Nvidia RTX 4080
- Display: 16 inches, 4K (100% AdobeRGB)
- RAM: Up to 64GB
- Storage: Up to 4TB SSD
Why it’s great:
It is well built and delivers performance under heavy workloads. The AdobeRGB display gives you excellent color representation, which is great for retouching and color grading.
Perfect for: Bro Editors who need workstation performance in a portable mobile workstation.
10. Custom-Built PC for Photo Editing
Building a desktop will give you the most amount of power for the least amount of money. A custom-built system allows all the components to be optimized for your workflow.
Specifications:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X or Core i9-14900K
- GPU: Nvidia RTX 4070 or 4080
- RAM: 32GB-64GB
- Storage: 1TB SSD + 4TB HDD
- Monitor: 27″ 4k IPS monitor with 100% sRGB
What makes it awesome:
A custom PC has a ton of flexibility, is easy to upgrade, and will run cooler. A custom-built PC is perfect for professionals who need a ton of power without a ridiculously high price tag.
Ideal for: Tech-savvy photo editors who want full control over the hardware.No full control over the hardware.
Mac vs. Windows: Which Is Better for Photo Editing?
The debate is an ongoing one – which is better, Mac or PC? Both offer advantages. Mac is known for its seamless integration, particularly for color calibration and reliability. Mac is a great option for someone working in Apple’s ecosystem as a creative.
PCs are generally much cheaper, easier to upgrade, and work with more hardware and software than Macs. A PC is a better option if you’re looking to make a custom build or change performance.
The best computer for photo editing is the one that best fits into your workflow and is in your comfort zone.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Photo Editing Computer
When it comes to constructing or purchasing the very best computer for photo editing, components matter. Whether you are editing wedding photos, retouching portraits, or building imaging composites, your workstation should handle speed, accuracy, and color accuracy. Here is a list of things that every photo editor should look at:
1. Processor (CPU)
The CPU serves as the brain of your computer — the muscle that governs how quickly and smoothly your editing programs will run naturally. Seek processors like Intel Core i7 or i9, AMD Ryzen 7 or 9, or Apple’s (M2, M3) chips, as these chips are designed to handle heavy multitasking and complex rendering without slowing down your workflow. A robust CPU reduces the chances you will experience lag when editing large RAW files, applying advanced layer masks, or using AI tools in Lightroom and Photoshop.
2. RAM
RAM is an important part of the equation for how efficiently your system processes workloads with multiple tasks at once. While 16GB RAM is enough RAM for light editing, for professionals, you should own 32GB RAM or more to ensure you don’t experience lag when editing large files or running multiple applications simultaneously. More memory means faster previews and faster exports, and no lag when switching from one program to another.
3. Display
A monitor is vital to any editor’s workflow, and color accuracy is not negotiable—it’s everything. My recommendation is to look for an IPS or OLED display and one that has 100% sRGB or DCI-P3 color coverage. A high-brightness display accompanied by a 4K resolution will assist you in seeing all tones, shadows, and details clearly. A calibrated display gives you confidence that the colors you see on the screen will look the same on paper or in digital media.
4. Storage
When considering storage, both speed and capacity matter. You will want to stay with Solid-State Drives (SSD) versus traditional hard drives. SSDs will load applications faster, reduce file transfer times of assets, and make you a bit snappier in your overall workflow. Many professionals will work with a dual-drive system where you use the SSD as your OS and editing software, and use a secondary hard drive or an external hard drive for archiving your finished projects and backups.
5. GPU (Graphics Card)
An advanced GPU (Graphics Card) will enhance the performance of live rendering, accelerate filters, and support any AI-powered features within software like Photoshop, Lightroom, and Capture One. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX or AMD Radeon RX are great GPUs for photo editors when working on high-resolution images or advanced color grading. Again, a good GPU will allow for smoother playback and faster exports.
6. Portability
The nature of your work as an artist will shape your decision to choose between a laptop and a desktop. If you’re a traveling photographer or content creator working off-site, you’ll want a powerful laptop that is thin and light, has strong battery life, and can support a vibrant and bright standard to wide color display. However, if you’re predominantly working in the studio, a desktop computer is going to provide you with greater power, improved cooling, and the opportunity for you to upgrade your system easily, making it much more suited for extended edit sessions.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the best computer for photo editing is about the right combination of performance, display, and cost. You can’t go wrong buying the MacBook Pro M3 or Mac Studio if you’re a Mac person. If you’re an inexpensive Windows machine/power user, then the Dell XPS 15, ASUS ProArt Studiobook, or HP Envy 34 would also suffice.
Whatever you choose, a well-informed, powerful machine makes it easier than ever to edit fast, save time, and allows you the confidence to know that your colors and details are as you intended.
TAGS
