11 Top Picks
4 Reviewers
30 Hours of Research
20 Options Considered
Architectural design software such as SketchUp, AutoCAD, and 3DS Max need a powerful laptop that can handle complex tasks efficiently. Architects' design software keeps on updating, making them more advanced. Therefore, the best laptops for architects should have a high processing power to facilitate a smooth run of programs. I recommend a multi-core processor and at least 8GB or higher RAM.
3 Top Laptops for Architects
1. [Best Overall]
4.9/5
This Apple laptop features the powerful Apple M1 Pro (M1 Max chip) that lets me run my operations smoothly. Its powerful battery with a fantastic battery life lets me work with the laptop for up to 21 hours without recharging.
2. [Best For The Money] Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop
4.8/5
This laptop features a Powerful Intel Core i7 processor with high processing power, letting me run my software smoothly. The dedicated NVIDIA GPU handles the software graphics allowing my laptop to run faster and more smoothly.
3. [Best Storage Capacity] HP Pavilion 15.6" FHD Laptop
4.7/5
It has high-end features that ensure I get top performance. Among the features that attract me are the high-performing AMD Ryzen CPU, high RAM and storage capacities, and good battery life.
One of the things I was looking for is a lightweight laptop that would help me move around with it when working on large and complex projects. I found that I needed a high-resolution screen to examine my designs comfortably when showcasing them to my clients.
The laptop also needs to have flexible port connectivity to allow me to connect it to an external monitor when presenting my designs to a larger audience. In addition, the laptop should have a larger space to allow you to run and download files and save my .exe files.
What Are the Best Laptop for Architects?
I went out of my way to come up with a comprehensive list of some of the best laptops for architects today.
- 2020 Apple MacBook Air Laptop
- 2021 Apple MacBook Pro Laptop
- Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop
- HP Pavilion 15.6" FHD Laptop
- Microsoft Surface Pro 8-13" Touchscreen
- 2022 HP Pavilion 17 Laptop
- SAMSUNG Galaxy Book Flex2 Alpha 2-in-1 Windows 10 Pro Business Laptop
- ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED UX582 Laptop
- Microsoft Surface Book 3 SKR-00001 13.3" Touch-Screen Laptop
- MSI Katana GF76 Gaming Laptop
- 2022 Newest ASUS VivoBook 15 Laptop
Best Laptops for Architects Reviews
[Best Overall]
4.9/5
The 2021 Apple MacBook Pro Laptop is another Apple laptop with features well suited for architects. It features the powerful Apple M1 Pro (M1 Max chip) that lets me run my operations smoothly. Its powerful battery with a fantastic battery life lets me work with the laptop for up to 21 hours without recharging. In addition, the laptop has several other advanced features that enhance my performance and general experience.
2021 Apple MacBook Pro Laptop Features
2021 Apple MacBook Pro Laptop features are listed below.
8GB RAM lets me run multiple programs simultaneously without lags. It also allows my laptop to handle software for 3D modeling applications, ensuring each process runs smoothly.
The powerful 10-core Apple M1 Pro CPU lets me run my design software efficiently at a faster rate. It handles my architectural design software more efficiently, ensuring I get quality project results.
The dedicated 32-core GPU has up to four times the power of the normal GPUs, letting me run my graphics-intensive programs smoothly.
64GB RAM lets me multitask efficiently without lags or slowdowns.
8TB SSD storage allows me to save my files and provides fast access to them anytime I need to retrieve them.
FaceTime HD camera allows me to host online zoom meetings and classes online efficiently.
The 16 inches screen gives me extensive space to carry out design processes more efficiently.
The retina XDR display produces sharp and clear texts, ensuring high precision in my architectural projects.
It is a compact and lightweight design that is highly portable to allow me to carry it around more easily. I find this feature useful, especially when I do site visit rounds.
Pros
Cons
[Best For The Money]
4.8/5
The Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop is a powerful Windows 10 laptop I find best suited for professional and student architects. It features a Powerful Intel Core i7 processor with high processing power, letting me run my software smoothly. The dedicated NVIDIA GPU handles the software graphics allowing my laptop to run faster and more smoothly. In addition, it has an extended screen with ample space, letting me work on my projects efficiently.
Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop Features
Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop features are listed below.
The dedicated 6GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card has integrated graphics memory that relieves graphics rendering duty from the CPU, allowing me to have a smooth-running computer.
The powerful 10th generation Intel i7-10750H ensures my software runs smoothly to produce quality output.
The large 15.6 screen offers enough space, allowing me to multitask without slowdowns.
A Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 lets me have a clear and vivid display.
The IPS panel has accurate color reproduction, enhancing the precision of my architectural plans and designs.
16GB DDR4 memory lets me run multiple tasks without lag.
512GB NVMe SSD storage lets me store and retrieve information and files after and more efficiently.
Compatibility with WiFi 6 allows me to share documents, access the internet, and download files more efficiently.
Pros
Cons
[Best Storage Capacity]
4.7/5
HP Pavilion 15.6" FHD Laptop is a Windows 11 thin laptop ideal for architects. It is a far more affordable option I'll recommend for architecture students. Nonetheless, it has high-end features that ensure I get top performance. Among the features that attract me are the high-performing AMD Ryzen CPU, high RAM and storage capacities, and good battery life.
HP Pavilion 15.6" FHD Laptop Features
HP Pavilion 15.6" FHD Laptop features are listed below.
The large 15.6 HD screen offers enough space, allowing me to multitask without lags.
The upgraded AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor (6 cores, 2.10GHz) ensures my software runs smoothly to produce quality projects.
A Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 lets me have clear and vivid visuals.
16GB DDR4 memory lets me run multiple tasks without lags.
512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage lets me store and retrieve information and files after and more efficiently.
The thin, portable design allows me to carry the laptop around more easily.
The anti-glare display reduces eye strain to protect my eyes.
Windows 11 Operating System has more advanced accessibility features that enhance my experience.
The IPS panel has accurate color reproduction, enhancing the precision of my architectural plans and designs.
Compatibility with WiFi and Bluetooth allows me to share documents, access the internet, and download files more efficiently.
Pros
Cons
The Microsoft Surface Pro 8-13" Touchscreen is a Windows 11 laptop built for efficient architectural designing and planning. It has a powerful Intel® Evo Platform Core™ i7 processor that ensures the smooth running of architectural software like AutoCAD. It also has a dedicated GPU that relieves the software graphics rendering workload from the CPU, ensuring I run my processes more efficiently. In addition, the touchscreen display lets me control and navigate the laptop more easily.
Microsoft Surface Pro 8-13" Touchscreen Features
Microsoft Surface Pro 8-13" Touchscreen features are listed below.
The large 13 inches display offers me enough space to multitask without slowdowns.
The powerful Intel® Evo Platform Core™ i7 processor ensures smooth operations to produce quality project output.
A Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 lets me have a clear and vivid display.
32GB DDR4 memory lets me run multiple tasks without lag.
1TB NVMe SSD storage lets me store and retrieve my files and information more efficiently.
The detachable keyboard lets me switch between tablet and desktop mode, which is best when presenting my projects.
The IPS panel has accurate color reproduction, enhancing the precision of my plans and designs.
Compatibility with WiFi and Bluetooth allows me to share documents, access the internet, and download files more efficiently.
The thin and lightweight design enhances portability, allowing me to carry it around easily, especially when inspecting onsite projects.
The 8MP rear webcam allows me to host online zoom meetings and attend my architectural classes virtually.
Pros
Cons
4.5/5
2022 HP Pavilion 17 Laptop is a Windows 10 laptop featuring high-end features best-suited for architects. It features the latest generation processor with high processing power, ensuring I run activities smoothly without lags. Its high memory and storage space lets me multitask and store my files efficiently. The long battery life allows me to use this i3 laptop for long sessions without recharging, while the anti-glare display protects my eyes by limiting eye strain.
2022 HP Pavilion 17 Laptop Features
2022 HP Pavilion 17 Laptop features are listed below.
A wide 17.3 inches screen offers ample space, allowing me to multitask without slowdowns.
The anti-glare display limits eye strain, protecting my eyes.
The latest 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor ensures a smooth run of processes to produce quality designs.
Features a thin and lightweight design enhancing portability, thus, allowing me to carry it around easily, especially when inspecting onsite projects.
32GB RAM lets me run multiple tasks without lags.
2 TB PCIe SSD storage lets me store and retrieve my files faster and more efficiently.
The dedicated Intel UHD Graphics ensures perfect rendering of AutoCAD graphics, letting me have good quality designs.
Features two USB Type-A, one USB 2.0 Type-A, and one HDMI 1.4b, letting me connect it to external devices and hard drives.
Compatible with WiFi and Bluetooth allows me to share documents, access the internet, and download files more efficiently.
Pros
Cons
The SAMSUNG Galaxy Book Flex2 Alpha 2-in-1 Windows 10 Pro Business Laptop is a premium option for professional architects. It has one of the most powerful CPUs that guarantees top performance. Its high storage capacity lets me store and retrieve files more efficiently. Besides, the touchscreen display lets me navigate this highly-portable laptop efficiently.
SAMSUNG Galaxy Book Flex2 Alpha 2-in-1 Windows 10 Pro Business Laptop Features
The SAMSUNG Galaxy Book Flex2 Alpha 2-in-1 Windows 10 Pro Business Laptop features are listed below.
13.3 inches display offers an extended space, allowing me to multitask without slowdowns.
A Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 lets me have a clear and vivid display.
The touchscreen display lets me control and navigates the laptop more easily.
The powerful Intel Quad-Core i7 1165G7 (4.7GHz) processor ensures a smooth run of activities to produce quality projects.
The 16GB LPDDR4x RAM lets me run multiple tasks without lags.
2TB PCIe SSD storage lets me store and retrieve my files and information more efficiently.
The dedicated Intel Iris Xe Graphics ensures my projects' graphics and video rendering are top-notch.
The 720p HD webcam allows me to host online zoom meetings and attend my architectural classes virtually.
Supports HDMI and USB 3.0 port connectivity letting me connect it to an external monitor when presenting to a larger audience.
The thin and lightweight design (2.62 lbs) enhances portability, allowing me to carry it around easily, especially when inspecting onsite projects.
Pros
Cons
ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED UX582 Laptop is a Windows 11 pro laptop with premium features. The powerful processor means I get a high processing power for smoothly running operations. This great 15.6 inches laptop with OLED display offers enough space for carrying out architectural planning and designing. It also has 4K resolution, ensuring I present high-resolution designs and plans to my audience.
ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED UX582 Laptop Features
The ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED UX582 Laptop features are listed below.
The 15.6 inches screen offers ample space, allowing me to multitask efficiently without slowdowns.
A 4K UHD resolution with a maximum screen resolution of 3840 x 2160 lets me have a clear and vivid visual display.
1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage lets me store and retrieve my files and information faster and more efficiently.
The powerful Intel Core i9-11900H CPU ensures a smooth run of activities to produce quality projects.
The 132GB DDR4 RAM lets me run multiple tasks without lags.
The dedicated GeForce, RTX 3080 Laptop GPU with 8GB VRAM graphics memory, ensures the graphics rendering of my projects is top-notch.
Windows Hello allows me to sign in using facial recognition, an easy and secure way to access my laptop.
Features Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, and USB C port connectivity, allowing me to connect it to an external monitor when presenting my project to an audience.
Pros
Cons
Microsoft Surface Book 3 SKR-00001 13.3" Touch-Screen Laptop is a 13.3-inches Windows 10 Pro laptop ideal for effectively running architectural software. It features the 10th generation Intel Core i5 processor with high processing power to facilitate the smooth running of my project activities. The high graphics-intensive applications run smoothly, thanks to the high memory capacity.
Microsoft Surface Book 3 SKR-00001 13.3" Touch-Screen Laptop Features
Microsoft Surface Book 3 SKR-00001 13.3" Touch-Screen Laptop features are listed below.
The powerful 10th generation Intel i5 processor ensures my software runs smoothly to produce quality output.
8GB RAM lets me run multiple background tasks smoothly without lags.
The dedicated Intel® Iris™ Plus graphics relieves graphics rendering duty from the CPU, allowing my laptop to run processes smoothly.
The 13.3 display offers enough space, letting me multitask without slowdowns.
256 GB SSD storage lets me store and retrieves information and files after and more efficiently.
The detachable keyboard lets me shift from PC mode to tablet mode, allowing me to present my project efficiently.
The slim and compact design makes it attractive and enhances portability, allowing me to carry it around easily.
A Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 lets me have a clear and vivid display.
It is compatible with Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity technology, allowing me to share documents, access the internet, and download files more efficiently.
The IPS panel has accurate color reproduction, enhancing the precision of my architectural plans and designs.
Pros
Cons
4.1/5
MSI Katana GF76 Gaming Laptop is a large-screen Core i7 reliable laptop for architects. It best suits professional or student architects with multitasking needs. This 17.3-inch laptop offers me an extended space to work on multiple tasks simultaneously. Its Intel Core i7 processor guarantees top-speed performance. Besides, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPU ensures efficient graphics rendering, which improves my project quality.
MSI Katana GF76 Gaming Laptop Features
MSI Katana GF76 Gaming Laptop features are listed below.
The 17.3 inches display offers an extended space, allowing me to multitask without lags or slowdowns.
A Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 lets me have a clear and vivid display.
The powerful Intel Core i7-11800H CPU ensures a smooth run of activities to produce quality projects.
The dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card ensures my projects' graphics and video rendering are top-notch.
The 16GB DDR4 RAM lets me run multiple tasks without lags.
512GB NVMe SSD storage lets me store and retrieve my files and information more efficiently.
The IPS panel has accurate color reproduction and wide viewing angles, enhancing my experience.
It is compatible with Bluetooth 5.1 and WiFi 6 wireless connectivities that allow me to share documents, access the internet, and download files more efficiently.
Pros
Cons
4.0/5
The last on my list is the 2022 Newest ASUS VivoBook 15 Laptop. It is a Windows 11 Home laptop with premium features ideal for architects. Besides its powerful CPU and GPU, it has several other features that guarantee top performance.
2022 Newest ASUS VivoBook 15 Laptop Features
2022 Newest ASUS VivoBook 15 Laptop features are listed below.
The 15.6 inches screen offers an extended space, allowing me to multitask efficiently.
A Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 lets me have a clear display.
The powerful Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor ensures a smooth running of processes.
The 16GB memory lets me run multiple tasks without lag.
512GB PCIe SSD storage lets me store and retrieve my files and information faster and more efficiently.
Supports an HDMI port connectivity that lets me connect my laptop to an external monitor or projector.
The fingerprint leader ensures I sign in faster and enhances the security of my laptop.
It is compatible with Bluetooth and WiFi wireless connectivities that allow me to share documents, access the internet, and download files more efficiently.
Pros
Cons
3.9/5
At the top of my list for laptops for architects is the 2020 Apple MacBook Air Laptop. This laptop is a top-performing laptop ideal for my architectural design projects. It has a powerful Apple M1 Chip that delivers high processing speed to ensure the smooth running of AutoCAD and other software. Besides, the 13 inches Retina display offers ample space I need to see plan details efficiently. In addition, it has a backlit keyboard, letting me enter commands more quickly.
2020 Apple MacBook Air Laptop Features
2020 Apple MacBook Air Laptop features are listed below.
8GB RAM lets me run multiple programs simultaneously without lags. It also allows my laptop to handle software for 3D modeling applications, ensuring each process runs smoothly.
256GB SSD storage allows me to save my files and provides fast access to them anytime I need to retrieve them.
FaceTime HD camera allows me to host online zoom meetings and classes online efficiently.
The powerful Apple M1 Chip lets me run my virtual design processes efficiently at a faster rate. It handles my architectural design software more efficiently, ensuring I get quality project results.
The retina panel produces sharp, clear graphical texts, ensuring high precision in my plans and projects.
A slim ultrathin lightweight design is highly portable, allowing me to carry it around more easily. I find this feature useful, especially when I do site visit rounds.
Compatibility with Thunderbolt port connectivity lets me transfer data fast, charge, and connect with external displays.
Pros
Cons
Best Laptops for Architects - Buying Guide
Before choosing the best laptop for architects, it is good to consider the factors I have listed below. These considerations allow one to choose the best laptop that delivers excellent performance and enhances productivity. Consider the following specs.
Processor
The processor is the central coordinator for any laptop. It determines the efficiency and the speed at which processes run. I discovered I needed a powerful processor, ideally the latest generation CPU, to ensure I run my virtual design processes efficiently and faster. The processor should be able to handle the various design software I use in my architectural projects.
The Intel Core i5 laptop is ideal for for architects. To get the best performance, you'll need the latest generation processor like the Intel Core i7 or i9. However, newer generation processors tend to be more expensive than their predecessors which can nonetheles serve as decent budget laptops.
Display
My laptop display for architects has several aspects that I need to consider. I must consider the resolution, screen size, refresh rate, aspect ratio, and panel type. Generally, I'll need an extensive display as it gives me ample space. In this case, I will need 14 inches or a larger display.
For the screen resolution, a Full HD resolution is enough for laptops for architects. A 1920 x 1080 resolution will be a good deal for my architectural laptop. However, I'll need to invest in a 4K resolution laptop when presenting more complex and complicated designs to a high-profile client.
The ideal monitor I recommend for architects is a 4k IPS monitor. The IPS panel has wide viewing angles, letting me see extensive project details efficiently. It also has accurate color reproduction, which enhances precision when designing plans and amending changes.
A 16:9 aspect ratio gives me an exemplary screen view of my designs and site plans. It lets me see details efficiently in my project.

Storage
Laptops for architects have two types of storage: Solid State Drive (SSD) and Hard Disk Drive (HDD). Each kind has its advantages and disadvantages. For instance, SSD allows me to retrieve my data, files, and information faster than HDD. However, to get an SSD storage laptop, I'll need to spend more for the same storage as the HDD. On the other hand, HDD has a larger storage capacity than SSD at the same price. However, HDD is slow at retrieving information, which may cause my laptop to lag, or images to ghost off.
Therefore, I recommend SSD storage over HDD. However, I can go for both if I have the cash. SSD is ideal for storing the files I frequently access and use, while HDD is ideal for archiving my files. I can also buy an external hard drive to boost my storage space.
RAM
My laptop's short-term memory for architects must withstand multiple requests and processes that run simultaneously. The design software I use for architecture involves rapidly coordinating various tools that run simultaneously. Therefore, I'll need my laptop to have a larger memory capacity.
An 8GB RAM is ideal for my projects. This RAM allows my laptop to handle software for 3D modeling applications, ensuring each process runs smoothly. It also lets me run multiple programs simultaneously without causing my laptop to lag. However, the 32GB RAM laptop is the architects' most reliable option. It lets me run Rhino, AutoCAD, and other program applications efficiently. It also allows me to store huge files like the exe. run program files. The only limiting factor to this option is the extra cash I'll have to spend on it.
GPU
The Graphics Processing Unit of my laptop eases the workload of the CPU in handling the software graphics. This lets my computer run faster and more smoothly, allowing me to finish my operations faster.
The graphics card ideal for laptops for architects should have 4GB RAM. This feature lets me render my models more efficiently to produce quality designs. However, graphics cards with 6 - 8GB RAM improve the performance even more to enhance my productivity.
The graphics card I choose will determine the efficiency to which I run 4K and graphics-intensive programs.

Connectivity Ports
Undertaking architectural design projects requires me to coordinate my laptop with other devices. Therefore, I will need a laptop with flexible port connectivity, both input, and output. The must-have ports for my laptop for architects are HDMI, USB-C, and Thunderbolt. The USB-C is excellent for connecting an external hard drive to my laptop to boost storage space. These ports, HDMI in particular, will help me connect my laptop to external monitors or projectors when presenting my design to clients or an audience in a seminar. I can also use the Thunderbolt port to connect an external graphics card.
Battery Life
The battery life of my laptop for architects determines to what extent I will work with the laptop before recharging. The battery needs to be robust to sustain power for more extended periods. Sometimes, I'll need to move around with my laptop inspecting the progress of a construction project or when amending changes to a project. It'll be disappointing if the battery drains power before I finish inspecting the project at hand.
I recommend a laptop with at least eight hours of battery life for convenience and enhanced experience.
Wireless Connectivity Technologies
Bluetooth and WiFi wireless connectivities are significant in laptops for architects. They help me share files efficiently without a wired connection. I also recommend an Ethernet port as an alternative to a wireless WiFi connection though I will need an ethernet cable to connect to my router directly.

Best Laptop for Architects - Minimum System Requirements
The minimum system requirements for a laptop for architects are as follows.
Central Processing Unit - 8th Gen Intel Core i5
Graphics card - 4GB NVIDIA GeForce MX350
Memory capacity - 8GB
Storage capacity - 256GB SSD
Screen size - 14 inches
Screen resolution - Full HD 1920 x 1080 pixels
Aspect ratio - 16:9
Panel type - IPS
Best Laptop for Architects - Recommended System Requirements
The recommended system requirements for a laptop for architects are as follows.
Central Processing Unit - 9th Gen Intel Core i7
Graphics card - 8GB NVIDIA GTX GeForce GPU
Memory capacity - 16GB
Storage capacity - 512GB SSD
Screen size - 15.6 inches
Screen resolution - Full HD 1920 x 1080 pixels
Aspect ratio - 16:9
Panel type - IPS
FAQs
Which Laptop Is Best for Architectural Design?
The best laptop for architectural design is listed below.
- 2020 Apple MacBook Air Laptop
- 2021 Apple MacBook Pro Laptop
- Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop
- HP Pavilion 15.6" FHD Laptop
- Microsoft Surface Pro 8-13" Touchscreen
- 2022 HP Pavilion 17 Laptop
- SAMSUNG Galaxy Book Flex2 Alpha 2-in-1 Windows 10 Pro Business Laptop
- ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED UX582 Laptop
- Microsoft Surface Book 3 SKR-00001 13.3" Touch-Screen Laptop
- MSI Katana GF76 Gaming Laptop
- 2022 Newest ASUS VivoBook 15 Laptop
What Laptop Do Architecture Students Use?
Architecture students use the same laptop computers as professional architects. The laptop should have a powerful processor, dedicated GPU, large memory and storage, and a long-lasting battery. However, most students opt for budget laptops that they can afford.
Do Architects Prefer Mac or PC?
While I can use both Mac or PC for architectural projects, most architects prefer using the PC. Architecture needs a lot of software, some incompatible with Mac. Also, I can easily customize or upgrade my PC to a Mac.
Which Processor Is Best for Architects?
While Intel processors are predominant, the AMD Ryzen Threadripperâ„¢ PRO processors are the best options for architects. This processor has up to 64 cores that allow me to multitask efficiently. It also has a high frequency that facilitates a fast run of activities.