16 Top Laptops for Architects and Designers (NEW for 2025)

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Planning to upgrade your workstation for the new year? Looking to invest in a quality device that will assist in all your real-time visualizations, renderings and photo editing? We are back with our annual catalog of laptops and mobile workstations best suited for architects and designers. With work from home continuing to triumph, the necessity for a well-performing laptop remains true. But even more so for architects, who require ample storage, great processors and advanced graphic cards for their dynamic types of work. Luckily, there’s a great lineup of newly released devices to pick from, and there’s something for everyone. 

Without further ado, here are the best picks from this past year:

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Premium Laptops for Architects

MSI Titan 18

Best High-End Upgradeable Laptop for Architects

What sets the MSI Titan 18 apart in the premium laptop category is its exceptional upgradability. Designed with future-proofing in mind, it supports up to 192GB of DDR5 RAM and additional PCIe Gen 5 storage, giving architects the flexibility to scale their hardware as project demands grow. This makes the Titan 18 not just a high-end laptop, but an investment in long-term performance.

At its core, the Intel Core i9-14900HX processor and NVIDIA RTX 4090 GPU deliver unparalleled power for demanding architectural workflows, such as rendering lifelike visuals, running complex BIM simulations or handling resource-intensive software like Revit, Rhino and 3ds Max.

Its 18-inch 4K mini LED display offers outstanding color accuracy and sharpness, making it ideal for detailed modeling and photo-realistic renderings. The 128GB DDR5 RAM and 4TB SSD in its base configuration ensure smooth multitasking and ample storage, even for massive project files. The Titan 18 also features an advanced cooling system, keeping performance consistent during long work sessions without disruptive fan noise.

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Lenovo Legion Pro 7i

Best Extreme Power Laptop for Architects

The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i is a premium choice for architects needing professional-grade performance with a focus on raw power. Equipped with an Intel i9-14900HX processor and NVIDIA RTX 4080 GPU, it excels in demanding workflows, such as rendering, 3D modeling and BIM applications, making it a reliable powerhouse for intensive architectural tasks.

Its 16-inch QHD+ display with a 240Hz refresh rate delivers sharp, fluid visuals, ideal for managing intricate designs or presenting projects with clarity. Starting with 64GB DDR5 RAM and 4TB of SSD storage, the Legion Pro 7i offers the capacity and speed to handle large-scale projects effortlessly, while its advanced cooling system ensures consistent performance during extended sessions.

For architects balancing high demands with practicality, the Legion Pro 7i is one of the most versatile premium options in Lenovo’s lineup. However, those seeking even greater power and cutting-edge features may consider the Legion 9i — a premium option tailored for elite users handling the most demanding workflows.

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Alienware m18 R2

Best Large Screen Laptop for Architects

For architects who prioritize a vast, detailed display, the Alienware M18 R2 sets a new standard. Its 18-inch QHD+ screen offers 2560 x 1600 resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for reviewing detailed drawings, refining renderings or multi-tasking across software windows without any issue.

Beneath the hood, the Intel i9-14900HX processor and NVIDIA RTX 4090 GPU provide exceptional computational and graphical power, tackling tasks like large-scale BIM modeling, high-resolution rendering and real-time simulations effortlessly. With 64GB of DDR5 RAM and a 2TB SSD, this laptop ensures smooth performance and storage capacity for even the most complex projects.

Its build includes a comprehensive suite of ports—such as Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI 2.1—enabling integration with external monitors and peripherals. Designed for demanding workflows and extended use, the Alienware M18 R2 is the ultimate choice for architects seeking a screen-focused workstation that delivers both power and precision.

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Razer Blade 16

Best High-End Gaming Laptop for Architects

The Razer Blade 16 stands out among high-end gaming laptops for its balance of power and efficiency, delivering top-tier performance in a more streamlined form. Powered by a 14th Gen Intel Core i9-14900HX processor and NVIDIA RTX 4080 GPU, it’s built to handle demanding tasks like 3D modeling, rendering and complex simulations with precision and speed.

Its 16-inch OLED QHD+ 240Hz display offers breathtaking visuals, combining vibrant colors with fluid performance, making it ideal for architects perfecting their complex designs or presenting detailed projects. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB SSD, it’s well-prepared for intensive workflows and large file management.

The Blade 16 also incorporates advanced vapor chamber cooling to sustain peak performance during extended work sessions. For architects seeking premium power with a more refined and professional edge, the Razer Blade 16 is definitely a compelling choice.

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ASUS Zephyrus G14

Best High-End Portable Laptop for Architects

The ASUS Zephyrus G14 is a great choice for architects seeking both high-end performance and a portable, lightweight design. Powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor and NVIDIA RTX 4070 GPU, it delivers exceptional speed and graphical capability, perfect for 3D modeling, rendering and multitasking in software like Revit, SketchUp or Rhino.

Its 14-inch OLED 2.8K 120Hz display provides sharp visuals and vivid colors, ensuring precision when working on detailed designs or reviewing projects. Despite its premium hardware, the G14 is remarkably compact and weighs significantly less than most high-performance laptops, making it easy to carry between meetings or job sites.

With 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 1TB SSD, it’s equipped to handle complex workflows and large files. The Zephyrus G14 combines power, portability and premium features, offering architects a small but mighty workstation that’s perfect for those always on the move.

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Best Laptop for Architects by Brand

Lenovo Legion Pro 5i

Best Lenovo Legion Series Laptop for Architects

The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i is a Lenovo Legion model likely to appeal to a broader range of architects, both price-wise and performance-wise. Powered by a 14th Gen Intel Core i9-14900HX processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, it delivers reliable capabilities for 3D modeling, rendering and BIM workflows.

Its 16″ WQXGA display (2560 x 1600, 165Hz) provides sharp visuals and ample workspace for detailed design projects. Configurations start at 16GB DDR5 RAM and 512GB SSD, with upgrades available up to 64GB RAM and 4TB SSD, accommodating both moderate and intensive workloads. Features like Lenovo AI Engine+ for performance optimization and Coldfront 5.0 cooling for consistent operation make it a dependable choice.

With Windows 11 Pro, a numeric keypad and an included lifetime Office Pro license, the Legion Pro 5i offers high-end functionality at a price point suited to a wide audience of architects.

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Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 6

Best Lenovo Thinkpad Series Laptop for Architects

For architects who value reliability and professional-grade performance over gaming features, the Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 6 is a standout choice. Designed with professionals in mind, this workstation is equipped to handle intensive tasks like CAD modeling, rendering and large-scale BIM workflows efficiently.

Powered by Intel’s 13th Gen processors and starting at 32GB of RAM (upgradeable for heavier workloads), the ThinkPad P1 Gen 6 offers ample power for resource-intensive applications such as AutoCAD, Revit or Rhino. Its NVIDIA RTX A-series GPUs are specifically built for professional use, ensuring accurate visual performance and optimized compatibility with architectural software.

The 16-inch display, available in multiple configurations including UHD+ and OLED options, provides excellent clarity and color fidelity—critical for precise design work. Despite its high-performance specs, the P1 maintains the durability and portability ThinkPad users expect, making it an excellent choice for architects frequently working on the go or between meetings.

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ASUS Zephyrus G16

Best ASUS Laptop for Architects

From the same series as the Zephyrus G14, the ASUS Zephyrus G16 offers a larger 16-inch OLED display, providing more screen real estate for architects who need precision and clarity for their designs. Its WQXGA 240Hz display is perfect for reviewing detailed drawings, rendering complex 3D models and managing large-scale projects with sharp visuals and excellent color fidelity.

This version of the Zephyrus G16 features an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, known for its efficiency and multitasking capabilities, making it an excellent choice for architects running intensive workflows in software like Revit or AutoCAD. For those who prefer Intel, the G16 is also available with Intel processors, giving professionals the flexibility to choose based on their specific performance needs or software optimization preferences.

Starting at 32GB of RAM and configurable up to 4TB SSD storage, this laptop handles resource-heavy tasks and large project files effortlessly. Its aluminum build keeps it lightweight (just 4 lbs) and the increased screen size compared to the G14 offers a more comfortable workspace for multitasking without sacrificing portability too much.

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Apple MacBook Pro 16″ M4

Best Apple Laptop (Macbook) for Architects

For architects who favor Apple’s ecosystem, the 2024 MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro chip delivers professional-grade performance. The M4 Pro’s 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU handle demanding tasks like 3D rendering, large-scale project compilation and intensive workflows with ease. For more advanced needs, the M4 Max chip offers even greater power.

Its 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display provides high brightness (up to 1600 nits) and excellent color accuracy, making it well-suited for precise design work and presentations. Starting with 24GB of unified memory and 512GB SSD storage, it offers configurations for more extensive project requirements. A 14-inch option is also available, offering similar power in a more compact design for those who prioritize portability.

Optimized for macOS, this laptop integrates efficiently with design tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft 365, while Apple Intelligence features improve productivity across devices. With all-day battery life and durable construction, the 2024 MacBook Pro is a reliable choice for architects who value performance and a connected ecosystem.

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Dell Precision 7680 16″ Mobile Workstation

Best Dell Workstation for Architects

The Dell Precision 7680 stands apart as a workstation rather than a gaming laptop, catering specifically to architects who rely on professional-grade hardware for demanding workflows. Designed with stability and precision in mind, it’s a reliable choice for running applications like AutoCAD, Revit and Rhino that benefit from certified hardware and consistent performance.

Powered by a 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13850HX processor with 20 cores, this workstation is built for heavy multitasking and computationally intensive tasks. Its NVIDIA RTX A2000 GPU (8GB) provides the graphical fidelity and optimization required for accurate rendering and simulation, ensuring smooth operation across professional software.

The 16-inch Full HD+ display (1920 x 1200) delivers sharp visuals, offering architects clarity for detailed design work. With 32GB DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, the Precision 7680 is well-equipped for handling large files and resource-intensive applications.

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Dell G16

Best Dell Gaming Laptop for Architects

The Dell G16 strikes a balance between affordability and performance, making it an excellent choice for architects who need a capable workstation without the premium price tag. Powered by the 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900HX processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, it delivers solid performance for 3D modeling, rendering and architectural simulations in tools like Revit and Rhino.

Its 16-inch QHD+ display offers a 240Hz refresh rate and sharp resolution, providing smooth visuals and precise clarity, whether you’re navigating detailed BIM models or showcasing your work. Starting with 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB SSD, the G16 is equipped to handle moderate workloads, with options to expand for more demanding projects.

Inspired by Alienware’s thermal design, the laptop includes advanced cooling features to maintain stable performance during extended sessions. With its Metallic Nightshade finish, the Dell G16 combines practical functionality with a modern design, making it an accessible yet powerful tool for architects on a mid-range budget.

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HP ZBook Fury 16 G10

Best HP Laptop for Architects

The HP ZBook Fury 16 G10 Mobile Workstation stands out as HP’s most powerful mobile workstation, designed for architects who require maximum performance. Its Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA RTX graphics deliver the computational and graphical power needed for demanding workflows, such as complex 3D modeling, rendering and large-scale BIM projects.

With a 16-inch WUXGA display, this workstation ensures sharp visuals and precise color accuracy, ideal for detailed design work. Starting with up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM and 1TB SSD storage, it provides the capacity and speed necessary for multitasking and managing extensive project files.

While its robust design prioritizes performance over portability, the ZBook Fury 16 G10 is equipped with enterprise-grade security features and comprehensive connectivity options, making it a reliable choice for serious professionals seeking desktop-class performance in a mobile form.

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Best Budget Laptops for Architects

ASUS TUF A16

Best Laptop for Architects under $1000

The ASUS TUF A16 delivers exceptional value for its price, offering an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS processor and Radeon RX 7700S GPU, making it a reliable option for architects working with 3D modeling and rendering. The 16-inch WUXGA display (1920 x 1200, 165Hz, 100% sRGB) provides sharp, accurate visuals, ideal for design work.

What sets the TUF A16 apart is its generous base configuration of 32GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB SSD, offering multitasking power and ample storage. Higher configurations—up to 64GB RAM and 2TB SSD—make this laptop a versatile choice for growing project demands. Its downside lies in its build quality, which feels less refined than premium models. However, for under $1000, the TUF A16 is a strong contender for both students and professionals on a budget.

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Lenovo LOQ 15

Best Laptop for Architects under $900

The Lenovo LOQ 15.6″ is a practical pick for architecture students or professionals seeking dependable performance without overspending. Its AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU handle essential tasks like CAD, 3D modeling and rendering.

A standout feature is the 15.6-inch FHD display (1920 x 1080) with a 144Hz refresh rate, which delivers clear visuals and smooth performance for reviewing designs or creating presentations. With 16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD, it offers reliable multitasking, though it doesn’t match the ASUS TUF A16’s flexibility in higher configurations. While not as feature-rich as pricier options, the LOQ strikes a balance between affordability and capability, making it an excellent choice for students tackling medium-scale projects.

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Acer Nitro 5

Best Laptop for Architects under $800

The Acer Nitro V stands out as the most budget-friendly choice, offering respectable performance for lighter architectural tasks. With an AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, it’s capable of running tools like AutoCAD and SketchUp.

Its 15.6-inch Full HD display with a 144Hz refresh rate provides smooth visuals, though the base configuration of 8GB DDR5 RAM may require upgrades for multitasking or larger project files. The Nitro V’s dual-fan cooling system helps maintain stable performance during extended sessions and its Wi-Fi 6 support ensures reliable connectivity.

While the Nitro V lacks the RAM and storage flexibility of the ASUS TUF A16, its affordability makes it a great starting point for students or beginners with lighter workloads. Upgrades to 32GB RAM and larger storage options allow for incremental improvements as project demands increase.

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HP Victus 16

Best Laptop for Architects under $700

The HP Victus 15.6″ (2024) is a solid budget option, powered by a 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13420H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU (6GB GDDR6). It handles essential architectural tasks, such as drafting in AutoCAD or working in SketchUp, with ease. Its 15.6-inch FHD display (144Hz) ensures smooth visuals, making it a good choice for design reviews or light rendering.

Where the Victus shines is its price-to-performance ratio. At under $700, it offers 16GB DDR4 RAM and a 512GB SSD, comparable to other budget options like the Lenovo LOQ, but at a lower price. However, its more limited RAM and storage configurations, along with its basic build quality, may be less appealing for those with growing project demands.

Compared to the ASUS TUF A16 or Lenovo LOQ 15, the HP Victus is a straightforward and affordable choice for architecture students or professionals with lighter workloads. While it may lack the expandability of the TUF A16 or the refined multitasking capability of the LOQ, its low price makes it the most accessible option for those on a tight budget.

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Top Laptops for Architects and Designers in 2024

Premium Laptops for Architects:

Best Mobile Workstation for Architects: Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2

Best Gaming Laptops for Architects: MSI 2024 Newest Katana 17 Gaming Laptop

Best Thin / Portable Laptop for Architects: Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Intel (14″)

Best Multi-Screen Laptop for Architects: ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16

Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Architects: Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2

Best Laptop for Architects by Brand

Best ASUS Laptop for Architects: ASUS 2023 ProArt StudioBook 16 OLED Laptop

Best Dell Laptop for Architects: Dell XPS 17 (2023)

Best Lenovo Laptop for Architects: Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Gen 8

Best HP Laptop for Architects: HP ZBook Studio G10 16″ Mobile Workstation

Best Apple Laptop (MacBook) for Architects: MacBook Pro 16 M3

Best Budget Laptops for Architects

Best Laptop for Architects Under $1100: Lenovo LOQ Gaming Laptop, 15.6″

Best Laptop for Architects under $900: Dell Inspiron 14

Best Laptop for Architects under $800: HP Victus 15

Best Laptop for Architects under $700: Acer Nitro 5

Best Laptop for Architects under $600: Acer Swift 3

Top Laptops for Architects and Designers in 2023

Premium Laptops for Architects:

Best Mobile Workstation for Architects: HP ZBook Firefly G9 Mobile Workstation

Best Gaming Laptops for Architects: Dell Alienware m15 R7 Gaming Laptop

Best Touchscreen Laptop for Architects: Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 9i 14’’ Laptop

Best Multi-Screen Laptop for Architects: ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 Gaming Laptop

Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Architects: Microsoft Surface Pro 9

Best Laptops for Architects By Brand

Best HP Laptop for Architects: HP ZBook Fury G8 Mobile Workstation

Best Dell Laptop for Architects: Dell Inspiron 15.6’’ FHD Touchscreen Laptop 

Best Lenovo Laptop for Architects: Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 5 Laptop

Best MSI Laptop for Architects: MSI 2022 GE76 Raider 17.3″ 144 Hz FHD Gaming Laptop

Best Apple Laptop for Architects: Apple 2022 MacBook Pro Laptop with M2 chip

Budget Laptops for Architects and Designers:

Best Laptop for Architects Under $900: Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 Laptop

Best Laptop for Architects Under $800: HP 2023 17.3″ FHD Laptop

Best Laptop for Architects Under $700: Acer 2022 Aspire 5 Slim Laptop 15.6″

Top Laptops for Architects and Designers in 2022

Premium Laptops for Architects

Best Mobile Workstation for Architects –HP ZBook Studio G8 15.6″ Mobile Workstation

Best Gaming Laptop for Architects – Razer Blade Pro 17

Best Touchscreen Laptop for Architects – Microsoft Surface Pro 8

Best Multi-Screen Laptop for Architects – ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 Laptop

Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Architects – Samsung Galaxy Book Flex2 Alpha 2-in-1 Laptop

Best Laptops for Architects By Brand

Best HP Laptop for Architects – HP OMEN 15 Laptop

Best Dell Laptop for Architects – Dell Alienware 51M R2 Gaming Laptop

Best Lenovo Laptop for Architects – Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 Business Laptop

Best MSI Laptop for Architects – MSI GE76 17.3″ 144Hz IPS FHD Premium Gaming Laptop

Best Apple Laptop for Architects – Apple MacBook Pro (16-inch)

Budget Laptops for Architects

Best Laptop for Architects Under $900 – HP Pavilion 17 Laptop

Best Laptop for Architects Under $800 – Lenovo IdeaPad 3

Best Laptop for Architects Under $700 – Dell Inspiron 3000 Laptop

Best Laptop for Architects Under $600 – ASUS VivoBook 14″ FHD Laptop

Best Laptop for Architects Under $500 – Apple Macbook Pro (13-inch)

Other Considerations

Mac vs. Windows: In terms of hardware and operating system, it all comes down to your personal preference. High-end Apple and PC laptops are well geared to handle the challenges offered by the job. Windows 10 is arguably more user friendly as it supports a wide array of software but is exposed to more viruses than Mac. The Macbook Pro in particular is well perceived by professionals as being great for graphic applications but is considered by many to be overpriced. That said, Apple makes our list this year, thanks to improvements to Parallels, which allows Windows software to be run on Mac. Andy Roehl, architect at Moonlight Design Studio, LLC, asserts that “running parallels on a current Apple laptop is no problem; [it works] much better now than 10+ years ago.”

Gaming laptops: A growing trend within the architecture and design professions is the adoption of gaming laptops, thanks to their powerful specifications. Built to handle incredibly detailed graphics and demanding streaming requirements, the processing power of gaming laptops make them ideal for BIM and architectural visualization tasks, and often cost less than top-of-the-range mobile workstations. Marsha McDonald, Principal Designer and CEO of Seacrest Designs and Decor, sums it up perfectly: “If my kids are fighting me for my system (they are gamers), then I know I am golden!”

Ports and peripherals: “For peripherals,” says Christiana Copper, Project Manager at TyE Bar, LLC, “my favorite mouse is the Logitech G602 – I program canned email responses on the programmable buttons, but you could probably do CAD macros as well. I also bought monitor arms this year, and I am really enjoying them.” Consider how many USB ports, ethernet ports and other specialist ports you might need; this will vary depending on your preference for wired or wireless peripheral such as computer mice, touch pads and external hard drives.

Useful Accessories:

Vertical / Ergonomic Mouse: Allow your hand to rest at a more natural angle on the mouse, easing your muscles.

External monitor: By displaying the screen closer to your eye level, this addition to your home office makes it easier to catch details while reducing neck and back pain.

Laptop Stand: A helpful way to keep your device from overheating, these stands also allow you to adjust your laptop screen to a comfortable height. To maximize the benefits, this stand is best when accompanied by an external keyboard that keep the keys at a convenient level for your wrists.

Portable External SSD: An external hard drive is a high power way to manage archives and keep your laptop storage neat and spacious.

Got your own view on which is the best laptop for architects and architecture students? Let us know at editorial@architizer.com.

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