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10 Best Budget Laptops For Photo Editing 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

HP Pavilion 15.6" HD Touchscreen Anti-Glare Laptop, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD Storage, Intel Core Processor up to 4.1GHz, Up to 11 Hours Long Battery Life, Type-C, HDMI, Windows 11 Home, Silver

The HP Pavilion 15.6" HD Touchscreen Anti-Glare Laptop is an attractive option for those on a budget looking for a laptop suitable for photo editing. It comes with an Intel Core i3 processor, which is capable of handling basic photo editing tasks. The 16GB of RAM allows for smooth multitasking and the 1TB SSD provides ample storage space along with quick bootup and data transfer speeds.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,155
Storage
Battery Life
Portability

Most important from
1318 reviews

Storage
The laptop is lightweight and offers plenty of storage, making it a practical choice for daily use.
Battery Life
Battery life may not meet some users' expectations, but the laptop is still considered a great value for the money.
Portability
The laptop is lightweight and offers plenty of storage, making it a practical choice for daily use.
#2
9.8 score

Dell Inspiron Touchscreen Laptop, 15.6" Business & Student Laptop Computer, Windows 11 Pro Laptop 32GB RAM 1TB SSD, Intel i5-1155G7 Processor, Full HD IPS Display, Numeric Keypad, HDMI, Carbon Black

The Dell Inspiron Touchscreen Laptop is a solid choice for photo editing on a budget. With its Intel i5-1155G7 processor, it delivers decent performance thanks to its four cores and boost clock of up to 4.5GHz. This should handle most photo editing software well, making it suitable for students or budding photographers looking to edit images without spending too much. The 32GB of RAM is a highlight, ensuring smooth multitasking, which is crucial when handling large files or using multiple applications simultaneously.

Rating
9.8
Storage
Display
Battery Life

Most important from
626 reviews

Storage
Offers good speed and ample storage without sacrificing performance.
Display
Touchscreen and 15.6-inch display work like a dream.
Battery Life
Great quality fit and finish; light weight with impressive battery life.
Portability
Great quality fit and finish; light weight with impressive battery life.
#3
9.6 score

Lenovo IdeaPad 1 Student Laptop, 15.6" FHD Display, Intel Dual Core Processor, 12GB RAM, 512GB SSD + 128GB eMMC, 1 Year Office 365, Wi-Fi 6, Webcam, Bluetooth, SD Card Reader, Windows 11 Home, Grey

The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is a solid choice for those on a budget looking for a laptop that can handle photo editing tasks. With its Intel Celeron N4500 processor and 12GB of RAM, it offers decent multitasking capabilities, allowing you to run several applications and browser tabs smoothly. The 512GB SSD ensures quick boot times and ample storage for photo files, complemented by an additional 128GB eMMC for extra space. Its 15.6-inch FHD display with a resolution of 1920x1080 provides clear visuals, which is essential for photo editing, though the 250 nits brightness might not be sufficient for outdoor use or bright environments.

Rating
9.6
RAM
Display
Battery Life

Most important from
787 reviews

RAM
The 12GB of RAM and Intel dual core deliver everything needed for school, browsing, and work.
Display
Very happy with the purchase; perfect for grad school with large screen and memory to store tons of schoolwork and pictures.
Battery Life
Keeps a charge for several hours of continuous use, making it reliable for long work sessions.
Portability
Lightweight design is convenient for travel, but a protective cover is recommended to avoid breakage.

Top 10 Best Budget Laptops For Photo Editing 2025 in the United States

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Buying Guide for the Best Budget Laptops For Photo Editing

When choosing a budget laptop for photo editing, it's important to focus on the specifications that will directly impact your ability to work efficiently and effectively with high-resolution images and editing software. While you may not be able to afford the top-of-the-line models, there are still plenty of options that can meet your needs without breaking the bank. Here are the key specs to consider and how to choose the right one for you.
Processor (CPU)The processor is the brain of your laptop and is crucial for handling the demands of photo editing software. A faster processor will allow you to work more smoothly and efficiently. For budget laptops, look for at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5. These processors offer a good balance between performance and cost. If you plan to work with very large files or multitask heavily, you might want to consider an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7, but these can be more expensive.
RAMRAM (Random Access Memory) is important for multitasking and handling large files. More RAM allows your laptop to work with more data at once, which is essential for photo editing. For budget laptops, aim for at least 8GB of RAM. This should be sufficient for most photo editing tasks. If you can afford it, 16GB of RAM will provide a smoother experience, especially when working with very large images or running multiple applications simultaneously.
StorageStorage determines how much data you can keep on your laptop and how quickly you can access it. Solid State Drives (SSDs) are much faster than traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) and can significantly speed up your workflow. For budget laptops, look for at least a 256GB SSD. This should provide enough space for your operating system, software, and a decent number of photos. If you need more storage, consider a laptop with a larger SSD or one that allows you to add an external drive.
DisplayThe display is crucial for photo editing, as it affects how accurately you can see and edit your images. Look for a laptop with at least a Full HD (1920x1080) resolution. Higher resolutions, like 4K, offer more detail but can be more expensive. Additionally, consider the color accuracy of the display. IPS panels generally offer better color reproduction and wider viewing angles compared to TN panels. If possible, look for a laptop with a display that covers a wide color gamut (like sRGB or Adobe RGB) for more accurate color representation.
Graphics Card (GPU)A dedicated graphics card can help with rendering and processing images, especially when using advanced features in photo editing software. For budget laptops, integrated graphics (like Intel UHD or AMD Vega) can be sufficient for basic photo editing. However, if you plan to use more demanding software or work with 3D elements, a dedicated GPU (like NVIDIA GeForce MX series) can provide a noticeable performance boost.
Battery LifeBattery life is important if you plan to edit photos on the go. Look for a laptop that offers at least 6-8 hours of battery life to ensure you can work without constantly needing to recharge. Keep in mind that more powerful components, like high-end CPUs and GPUs, can drain the battery faster, so balance your need for performance with your need for portability.
PortabilityPortability is a key factor if you need to carry your laptop around frequently. Consider the weight and size of the laptop. A 13-15 inch laptop is generally a good balance between screen size and portability. Lighter laptops are easier to carry, but make sure they still have the performance and features you need for photo editing.

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