Best Laptops for Animation – 2024’s Ultimate Picks!

With the advancement of technology, the animation and VFX has also evolved. Today, you can literally bring anything you can imagine to life.

However, to animate your thoughts and ideas, you will need the right tools by your side. Whether you are a beginner who’s just exploring the world of animation and VFX, or a veteran animator who is looking for his next best pick, this is the right spot.

In this article, I will be discussing some of the best laptops for animation in 2024. These laptops have been selected after a rigorous testing process and meet the diverse and demanding requirements of animators.

From rendering complex 3D models to visually crafting stunning scenes, these laptops are perfectly capable of handling everything you throw at them.

You will indefinitely need a high-performance laptop that is capable of handling demanding software like Blender, Maya, Cinema 4D, PowToon, Adobe Animate, and others.

Top 10 Best Laptops for Animation Reviewed in 2024

Here’s a quick look at our top recommendations in 2024.

If you are looking for a laptop simply for drawing, you should definitely check out our guide to the best laptops for drawing in 2024.

Now, for animation enthusiasts, get ready and dive into our detailed reviews that contain everything you need to know about these amazing laptops.

1. Acer Helios Predator 300 – Best Acer Laptop for Animation

Top of the list we have a high-performance gaming laptop that is designed to provide exceptional graphical performance that is perfect for animation.

The Acer Helios Predator 300 is a top-rated gaming laptop that comes with excellent processing power and is packed with a wide range of attractive features.

It is powered by an Intel Core i7 7700HQ CPU, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 GPU, 16 GB DDR4 RAM, and 256 GB SSD storage – specs that provide satisfactory performance for beginner-level animators.

So, if you are stepping into the world of animation and want to go with a device that will provide reliable performance and efficient capabilities, this is one of the best gaming laptops for animation.

Adding to this, the processor comes with Turbo Boost technology that allows you to boost the clock speed of the processor up to 3.8 GHz to meet the needs of demanding animation software tools.

Moreover, the laptop features a 15.6-inch Full-HD IPS display that provides stunning resolution and vibrant visuals.

The laptop also has expandable slots for upgrades, which will allow you to upgrade memory and storage later on when you can afford it.

With 6 GB of dedicated GDDR5 VRAM, you have the capability to run graphic-intensive applications and design intricate animations.

Final Remarks

All in all, a good choice for beginners who don’t want to enter an animation and VFX career without a dedicated GPU. The laptop provides satisfactory performance and is capable of handling intensive tasks.

 

2. Apple MacBook Pro 16 – Best Professional Laptop for Animation

If you are looking for professional-grade performance with convenient and efficient portability, then there is no better laptop than the Apple MacBook Pro 16.

One of the most powerful and fastest laptops on the list that comes in a slim and ultra-portable design and provides you with high-end performance capabilities.

The laptop is powered by an Apple M1 Pro chip that integrates a 10-core CPU, a 16-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine, providing you the perfect capability to run advanced graphics-intensive animation software.

Adding to this, with 16 GB unified RAM and 512 GB SSD superfast storage, you will be able to meet the performance-intensive needs of these demanding applications.

Because of its immense performance capabilities, this laptop stands tall as one of the best Apple laptops for animation in 2024.

The M1 Pro chip is an advanced version of the M1 chip that is designed for professional-grade performance and its 16-core GPU ensures that you are able to use even the most advanced animation and VFX tools effortlessly.

So, you don’t have to worry about the laptop slowing down during multitasking. Regardless of how many tabs you open or how many applications you run simultaneously, this laptop won’t let you down.

Moreover, the laptop comes with a stunning Liquid Retina XDR display that provides impressive brightness and extreme color accuracy, allowing you to work on creative and intricate projects in much more detail.

Additionally, this machine also provides you with a long-lasting battery that promises up to 21 hours of playtime, ensuring you have enough juice for outdoor usage for the whole day.

Final Remarks

A powerful laptop for professionals that can easily handle graphic-intensive designing and animation software. Because of its immense performance capabilities, it is also considered one of the best laptops for AutoCAD and related applications.

 

3. Razer Blade 15 – Best Portable Laptop for Animation

When seeking extreme portability and compactness, nothing beats the Razer Blade 15. The laptop was ranked as the No. 1 Windows Laptop for Tech Support.

Even in compact and lightweight design, this amazing laptop packs immense power and provides you with extreme performance potential.

The laptop is powered by a 10^th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 GPU, 16 GB DDR4 RAM, and 512 GB SSD storage – specs that make it an expert choice for animators who are seeking ultimate portability.

With a hexa-core processor that features 16 threads, the CPU is able to provide you with 2.6 GHz of Base Clock speed that can be boosted up to 5.0 GHz with Max Turbo Technology.

Hence, regardless of which performance-hungry software you are thinking about running on this laptop, it will be able to handle it efficiently, making it one of the best laptops for animation in 2024.

Adding to this, the laptop provides you with immense graphical possibilities thanks to the supercharged RTX GPU. With the latest AI technology and real-time ray tracing, you will be able to work on advanced visual effects and design animations as you imagine them.

With a 15.6 15.6-inch full-HD display that has been maximized edge-to-edge, you are able to experience immersive visuals with high color accuracy and vibrant details.

Moreover, the laptop provides you with extensive connectivity options, ensuring you are able to connect all the peripherals and devices you need. It features dual USB Type-C Ports and 3 USB Type-A ports, both with Thunderbolt support.

Final Remarks

A compact but powerful laptop that comes with immense power and performance capabilities. Designed for professionals who are always on the move and need ultimate compactness and portability.

 

4. MSI Stealth 17 – Best Laptop for 3D Animation & VFX

If budget is not an issue and you want to go with the most advanced and powerful laptop for animation, then MSI Stealth 17 is the perfect choice.

A beast in terms of its processing and graphical capabilities, this laptop has got it all. From performance-intensive specs to the most realistic visuals, you won’t find a better laptop for your money.

The laptop is powered by a 13^th Gen Intel Core i7 H series processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 GPU, 64 GB DDR5 RAM, and 1 TB SSD storage – which can be ranked as the best laptop specs for animation in 2024.

With the 13^th Gen Core i9 processor, you have the best-in-class processing power in the world. It features 14 cores and 20 threads, providing you the capability to reach a processing speed of 5.4 GHz. There is just no better processor for animators.

Adding to this, the laptop is also packed with the most powerful mobile GPU of 2024. An RTX 40 series processor that features ultimate graphical power for all your animation and creative needs.

Not to mention that the laptop comes with 64 GB DDR5 RAM which makes multitasking a piece of cake. Even with a massive storage space of 1 TB, you can still upgrade the storage up to 4 TB when needed.

Due to this immense and beastly power, the laptop is also capable of handling advanced graphics-intensive applications other than animation, making it one of the best laptops for Revit and related modeling software.

Moreover, this laptop comes with a massive 17.3-inch QHD display that provides you even the tiniest of details with ultra-fast responsiveness and lightning-fast refresh rate.

Additionally, the laptop also features plenty of other technologies including advanced cooling technology, extensive connectivity options, and much more.

Final Remarks

All in all, a highly recommended choice for professional animators who are designing the future. Regardless of what you seek, this laptop is capable of handling everything.

 

5. ASUS ROG Strix G17 – Best ASUS Laptop for Animation

Let’s say you liked everything about our previous pick, but you don’t prefer an Intel processor. Well, we have got the perfect alternative for you.

The ASUS ROG Strix G17 is one of the most advanced and powerful gaming laptops that would serve as the perfect device for your animation needs.

It is powered by an AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX CPU, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, 64 GB DDR5 RAM, and 2 TB SSD storage – specs that not only meet but exceed even the most demanding needs of advanced animation tools.

Hence, you will be able to bring your ideas and imaginations to life with ultimate precision and draw the most realistic visuals on this laptop.

The Ryzen 9 processor packs immense power and will easily beat the Intel Core i9 13^th Gen HX series processor in a benchmark test. It features 16 cores and 32 threads and will provide you with a blazing-fast processing speed of 5.4 GHz.

Adding to this, the laptop features the latest NVIDIA GeForce 40 series processor that pushes the boundaries of animation beyond this world and provides you the capability to design whatever you can picture in your mind just the way you picture it.

With high-bandwidth 4800 MHz DDR5 RAM and an enormous superfast SSD storage, you can reach new performance peaks. The laptop also provides you with upgradability, allowing you to upgrade the storage to 4 TB.

Moreover, to keep such powerful and intensive performance in check, this laptop features intelligent cooling technology, featuring Thermal Grizzly’s Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal on the CPU and multiple intake and exhaust vents.

Hence, you don’t have to worry about the system getting overheated or reaching high temperatures when you are multitasking or running performance-intensive tasks, making it one of the best 17-inch laptops for animation in 2024.

Also, with a massive display featuring a 17.3-inch QHD resolution and a blazingly fast refresh rate, you will be able to see intricate details and design with much higher accuracy and efficiency.

Final Remarks

To sum it up, this is one of the most powerful gaming laptops for design and animation that comes with an AMD processor and provides you with extreme-end beastly performance. A highly recommended choice for professional animators.

 

6. Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 – Best Laptop for Animation Students

Students who are just entering the animation and VFX world and don’t know much about it needn’t start with expensive and powerful laptops.

For starters, you can go with Microsoft Surface Laptop 4, a laptop that comes with a powerful processor and efficient functionality.

It is powered by an 11^th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, Intel Iris Xe Graphics Co-Processor, 32 GB DDR4 RAM, and 1 TB SSD storage – specs that are powerful enough for handling all the advanced animation software and VFX tools.

Although you won’t be able to design graphic-intensive visual projects, you will still be able to access and use all the advanced features, making it one of the best laptops for animation students.

Even without a dedicated GPU, the processor and integrated graphics are powerful enough to support your creative endeavors and can help you learn a lot about animation.

Adding to this, the laptop comes in a thin, lightweight, and elegant design, allowing you to carry it around without feeling any weight.

With touchscreen functionality, your creative options move up a level and you are able to increase your productivity.

Moreover, the laptop provides you with a reliable battery life and also fast charging capability, which adds to the overall portability of the laptop.

You can also get your hands on the Microsoft accessories to further expand your creative possibilities. With Surface Dial and Touch Pen, you can increase the touchscreen functionality and explore new limits.

Final Remarks

A portable and efficient laptop that comes with touchscreen functionality and is considered an ideal choice for students. With a powerful processor, high-capacity RAM, and storage, the laptop is able to meet the diverse needs of animation students.

 

7. Newest Acer Aspire 5 – Best Budget Laptop for Animation

Another laptop that can be considered well enough for both students and entry-level animators who aren’t just looking for high-end specs or expensive devices. The Newest Acer Aspire 5 is a budget-friendly choice.

One of the most affordable laptops on the list that comes packed with highly efficient features and provides more power than you might expect.

The laptop is powered by an AMD Ryzen 3 3350U Quad-Core CPU, Radeon Powered Vega 6 Graphics Co-Processor, 20 GB DDR4 RAM, and 1 TB SSD storage – specs that do well enough for entry-level animators.

You will be able to get your tasks done a lot faster provided the highly efficient multitasking capability of this amazing laptop.

Adding to this, with a powerful processor, high-capacity RAM, and massive storage packed in an affordable device, this laptop surely stands out as the best beginner laptop for animation in 2024.

Unlike other low-budget laptops, this one doesn’t compromise on memory or storage. It comes with high-bandwidth RAM that increases your efficiency and provides smooth multitasking.

Furthermore, with superfast storage, the application loading speed will be a lot faster and it will also contribute to the efficiency of animation software.

Additionally, the laptop comes in an ultra-portable design and features high-end convenience. It is also equipped with a backlit keyboard, fingerprint sensor, and much more.

Final Remarks

Without a doubt, one of the best laptops for animation when it comes to beginners and entry-level users. You can learn all about animation and VFX on this laptop before you move to the more advanced level.

 

8. Alienware m15 R7 – Best Gaming Laptop for Animation

Coming back to professional-grade choices, we have one of the legendary laptops from the most popular gaming series, the Alienware m15 R7.

Renowned as one of the most powerful and most efficient gaming laptops, it provides high-end functionality and is packed with extremely powerful features.

The laptop is powered by an AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX CPU, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Titan GPU, 32 GB DDR5 RAM, and 1 TB SSD storage – specs are sure to provide high-end performance for demanding needs of animation software.

Being one of the most powerful AMD-based laptops in the market, it stands out because of its exceptional performance capabilities providing power up to 170W.

Adding to this, with RTX-powered Titan series GPU, the laptop is capable of handling the most graphic-intensive tasks.

It will enable you to design the most advanced visuals with intricate details and realistic effects, making it one of the best laptops for video editing as well.

One of the most distinguishing features of this laptop is its versatile performance modes that are tailored to the unique needs of users. The laptop comes with five unique power states that can be used for your varying needs.

Moreover, the laptop comes with next-gen cooling technology, featuring Alienware Cyro-tech advanced cooling that efficiently takes care of the temperature and ensures that the system doesn’t overheat even during intense performance.

Additionally, with a 15.6 QHD display that provides much superior resolution and best-in-class visuals, you are able to work on the tiny details in visuals and get the highest color accuracy.

Final Remarks

A legendary laptop of the gaming world that can used in animation and creative projects. An ultra-powerful laptop that comes with enormous potential for animators.

 

9. ASUS ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED – Best Innovative Laptop for Animation

Artists and professional animators who don’t want to deal with the aesthetics or bulkiness of a gaming laptop will definitely find ASUS ProArt Studiobook 16 suitable for their needs.

A professional laptop designed for creators, artists, and animators who are looking for extreme color accuracy, innovative creative features, and graphics-intensive performance.

The laptop is powered by a 13^th Gen Intel Core i9 HX series CPU, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, 32 GB DDR5 RAM, and 1 TB SSD storage – specs that provide extreme-end functionality for most demanding animation software.

With 3.2 K supreme resolution, 4096-pressure level stylus support, Pantone-validated color accuracy, and ultra-fast responsiveness, this device features the best laptop display for animation and VFX.

Supported by the latest RTX 40 series GPU that features studio functionality, you get the most realistic visual support for content creation and designing. The laptop also has a MUX switch, that switches off the dedicated GPU when you don’t need it.

This will provide a significant boost in performance when you need only the computing potential of the laptop.

Adding to this, the laptop comes with an innovative ASUS dial that can be customized for any advanced animation application and will enhance your efficiency and productivity.

Moreover, the laptop features tons of attractive features. It comes with a haptic touchpad, 180-degree flat hinge design, ProArt exclusive creator hub, military-grade durability, Face ID cam, and a long-lasting battery.

Above all, you get top-notch performance and cinema-quality rendering capabilities, making this one of the top choices for animation and VFX.

Final Remarks

Without a doubt, one of the best laptops for artists and animators It comes with immense capabilities and features the most innovative technological aspects that would meet the demanding and diverse needs of creators.

 

10. Lenovo Legion Pro 7i – Best Lenovo Laptop for Animation

Last but not least, I want to share another powerful gaming laptop that is designed for extreme-end performance and visual excellence.

The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i is an 8^th Gen Gaming Laptop is comes with the most advanced and powerful specs and provides ultimate performance capabilities.

It is powered by a 13^th Gen Intel Core i9 HX series processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 GPU, 32 GB DDR5 RAM, and 1 TB Gen 4 SSD storage – which can be termed as the best laptop specs for animation and VFX in 2024.

Packed with an extremely powerful 24 Core processor, the laptop is capable of reaching the extreme performance speed of 5.4 GHz with Max Turbo Boost technology. Hence, it can give strong competition to even the most powerful desktop computers.

Adding to this, the latest and most powerful mobile GPU features 12 GB of GDDR6 VRAM, which can effortlessly handle even demanding and graphic-intensive animation tasks and is perfect for professional animation artists.

Combined with 5600 MHz super high-bandwidth DDR5 RAM and Gen 4 SSD storage, the laptop provides you with lightning-fast performance. That means instant bootups, application loading, and fastest data transfer rates.

Moreover, the laptop comes with a massive 3K 16-inch Touch display that provides impressive brightness, extremely high color accuracy, and ultra-responsive visuals.

Final Remarks

A beast of a laptop that is designed not just for pro gamers but also for professional content creators including animators, designers, and artists. A highly recommended choice for high-budget users.

 

How to Select the Best Laptop for Animation in 2024: Buyer’s Guide

Selecting a good laptop for animation and VFX can be a daunting task. Regardless of whether you are a beginner, student, or professional animator, if you don’t know exactly what you are looking for, you might make a terrible mistake.

For an animator, the choice of laptop can make or break their career. So, to help you out, I have decided to share some of the most important features that have heavy-weight significance in the choice of the best laptop for animation.

Without any further ado, let’s get right to it:

CPU

First of all, you will need a powerful CPU to handle the performance-intensive needs of advanced animation software tools.

So, no compromise can be made on the CPU. You need to go the highest you can. However, if you are a beginner or student who is just learning about animation and VFX, you can make a slight compromise.

But, keep in mind that you will have to switch to a more powerful laptop later on. So, if you are serious about animation, you need to go with the highest-performing processor, which is the 13^th Gen Core i9 HX or AMD Ryzen 9 6000 HX series.

GPU

Similarly, you can only compromise a high-performance dedicated GPU if you are a student or an entry-level learner of the craft.

For those who want to adopt animation as a full-time career and will be designing professional-grade visuals, no compromise exists.

You will have to go with an RTX 40 series GPU that comes with at least 6 GB of GDDR6 VRAM and features advanced technologies for graphics-intensive performance.

RAM & Storage

While for other laptops you can make a compromise on RAM and storage, serious animators just cannot.

Even the minimum requirement for animation software is 16 GB DDR4 RAM, so you must not go lower than that.

Make sure that your laptop is equipped with ample storage, at least 512 GB or 1 TB SSD because animation projects take on a lot of space.

Furthermore, you also have to make sure that the laptop comes with multiple expansion slots for both memory and storage.

In today’s age of rapidly evolving animation, only the most powerful laptops will survive but with potential future-proofing.

Display Size & Resolution

While you can choose to go with a smaller display size as a beginner, it is not recommended for professionals.

Those who are aiming to use the laptop for a long time must choose at least a 15.6-inch display size. A larger display would be even better.

Adding to this, you must choose a higher resolution. If 4K is not an option then go with at least 2K or QHD resolution. You will need the high color accuracy and incredible detail offered by this resolution. A simple FHD won’t suffice.

Make sure that the laptop is certified for color accuracy, comes with factory-calibrated colors, and features high brightness for incredible detail and clarity.

Cooling Technology & Thermal Management

To keep such a high-performance beast in control, the laptop must be equipped with an advanced thermal management design.

You are going with powerful components in a compact body. So, you have to ensure that the device is capable of handling such intensive performance.

The laptop must feature multiple intake and exhaust vents, advanced cooling liquid solution on the CPU and GPU chip, and copper pipes for intelligent cooling.

The performance and graphics-intensive animation software will generate a lot of heat, so you might have to use even cooling pads and ensure that the laptop is always in a well-ventilated area so that the temperature management is kept at its best.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I choose a laptop for animation?

If you are a beginner or student of animation and VFX, you can go with a budget-friendly choice but for those who are serious about animation, no compromises can be made on the power of CPU or GPU. You need to select the highest you can get.

2. Are gaming laptops good for animation?

Yes, gaming laptops come with high-end CPUs and GPUs, along with extreme performance capabilities that make them a suitable choice for animators. Moreover, gaming laptops have ultra-responsive visuals, which is also a plus point.

3. What laptops are compatible with animation software?

There are many laptops that are compatible with animation software. These include MSI Stealth, ASUS ROG Strix, Lenovo Legion, ASUS ProArt, and many more. You can read our above guide for more detailed reviews about these laptops.

4. Is the MacBook good for animation?

MacBook Pro is a good choice, especially the latest ones. These laptops have an Apple M1 Pro or Max chip that is equipped with a multi-core CPU and GPU. Hence, you will be able to handle performance-intensive and graphic-intensive tasks.

5. Which laptop is best for 3D animation?

There are many that would ideally fit the criteria, but I would highly recommend the MSI Stealth 17 as an expert pick. This laptop is designed for professionals and is perfectly capable of handling 3D animation and rendering.

Wrapping Up!

Now you have all the options in front of your eyes along with a handy buyer’s guide to help you make the right choice.

So, the final decision rests with you. However, if I were to pick one as the best laptop for animation, I would definitely recommend MSI Stealth 17. A perfect choice for advanced animation specialists.

However, if you are just starting and are low on budget, then Acer Aspire 5 can be your buddy as you learn entry-level animation and VFX.

For professionals who don’t want the aesthetics or bulkiness of a gaming laptop, ASUS ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED is the perfect option. It is designed for professional animators who want nothing less than the best.

I hope the guide helps you find the perfect choice for your needs and budget. Good Luck!