9 Best Budget Laptops for Adobe Creative Cloud in 2021
Over 65 million people across the globe use Adobe Creative Cloud. It allows you to create stunning designs and artwork on your laptop.
Too bad, if you want to do it on the go, you’re going to have to use a mobile device. While mobile devices are great for creating some designs, they are not great for creating professional ones.
Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After-Effects are the most commonly used applications for designers and creatives. Although they’re quite popular, they don’t come at a cheap price.
Adobe Creative Cloud is a popular suite of design and photography applications, such as Photoshop and Illustrator. The tools provide users with the software to get the job done. Many of us use them daily.
Many laptops can run the software but finding the best budget laptop for Adobe Creative Cloud is difficult.
Image | Title | Description | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
  | Acer Aspire 5 | It has a decent price tag, then the Acer Aspire 5 is one good option for you. It has a full HD screen and all other standard features that we expect from an average laptop. The battery life is also good as it can last up to 13 hours on a single charge. | |
  | Acer Chromebook Spin 11 | The Acer Chromebook Spin 11 is a convertible laptop that you can use both in tablet and laptop mode. It has an 11-inch screen with touchscreen capabilities, which makes it ideal for watching videos, browsing the web, or even using creative designing apps. The device comes equipped with a full HD display, which is perfect for watching movies or playing games. | |
  | Lenovo IdeaPad 3 | The laptop also comes with a graphics card that will help you play the latest games with no problems. It has a great battery, which will ensure that you can use it for longer periods before having to charge it again. | |
  | Lenovo Flex 5 | It powers the Lenovo Flex 5 with an energy-efficient lithium polymer battery that can last up to 10 hours when used in tablet mode. Integrated graphics support the processor and RAM, so you do not need to install any additional drivers if you want to run games or other applications on it. | |
  | Asus TUF A15 | The Asus TUF A15 is a mid-range gaming laptop with an Intel Core i5 processor and integrated graphics. It has plenty of ports for connecting peripherals, and a headphone jack that can be used to connect earphones or speakers via an included audio cable. | |
  | HP Pavilion 15 15.6'' | It features a 15.6'' screen, which makes it large enough to view multiple windows of work at once without having to scroll or resize them. The screen also has great viewing angles so you can see what's on the screen from any angle, even if someone else is using it too. | |
  | HP Chromebook 14 | The 14-inch screen is very good for a Chromebook. It's bright and offers outstanding image quality. The keyboard is also excellent–it has a nice feel to it; the keys are comfortable to type on, and offer enough travel so that you don't have to press too hard. It has a small trackpad but is responsive. | |
  | HP Spectre x360 | The HP Spectre x360 13 is an ultra-thin and light laptop with a beautiful design. It has the latest 7th generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, and 256GB SSD storage for smooth performance. They have improved the keyboard with backlit keys, which helps to create a more comfortable typing experience. | |
  | Acer Aspire 7 | The Acer Aspire 7 has an excellent design, with an aluminum-cased chassis that feels solid and durable. The display is bright and clear with wide viewing angles, with no distortion or color shift when viewed off-center. Its keyboard has backlit keys with white LED illumination in a range of different colors. |
Table of Contents
Buying Guide
Adobe has revolutionized the art of photo editing, web designing, video editing, and graphic designing with the launch of the Creative Cloud. Now, this amazing software is available to use on laptops.
Buying a laptop for Adobe Creative Cloud can be a daunting process. There are a variety of models with different specifications and prices. In this buying guide, we will help you narrow down your options.
The most important criteria to keep in mind while buying a laptop for Adobe Creative Cloud:
Processor
The processor is the brain of your computer and executes instructions that are given to it by the operating system.
Using a laptop with an Intel Core i5 processor (or higher) will provide you with better performance than if you were to use a laptop with lower-end processors like Pentium.
Hard Drive
Hard drive capacity affects the amount of data your computer can store at one time, which can make it difficult for programs or games to load quickly enough when the hard drive is nearly full(slow loading times).
For most people, 500GB should be sufficient; however, gamers may require at least 1TB of hard drive storage space to save their game files.
Memory
Memory is used to save the documents that you are working on, the music that you are listening to, and other files.
If your computer has 4GB of memory or more, it should be able to handle your daily workload with no problems; however, video editors should have at least 8GB of memory.
Operating System
Windows is the most popular and most compatible OS and the only one that will allow you to use programs like Photoshop and Premiere.
Chrome OS is great for students who don’t need software like Photoshop or Premiere. They will only run web-based programs.
Screen size
Smaller laptops are lighter to carry around campus or when traveling; however, you should also consider how big of screen size you would prefer.
A larger screen will give you more space to view things on your laptop while still being portable enough to carry with ease.
Keyboard/bar
You want a keyboard that is comfortable to type on for long periods of time without pain or fatigue. Many brands will provide you with wireless keyboards that are easier to carry around.
Battery life
This is one of the most important factors in choosing a laptop for adobe creative cloud. You should be able to get a full day’s use from a laptop battery.
Cost
There are many factors that go into the cost of a computer, but these are the most important ones: processor speed, hard drive, screen size, and operating system cost.
The operating system is the most expensive part of a laptop computer, followed by hard drives and screens.
Best Budget Laptops for Adobe Creative Cloud
1. Acer Aspire 5
Key Features:
- 4.1GHz 11th Generation Intel Core i3 processor
- Narrow bezel design with a 15.6 full UHD display
- 4GB memory with 128GB SSD storage
- Windows 10 Home OS with extra security
- Graphics: Intel UHD
- Sound: built-in microphones for clear audio
The Acer Aspire 5 offers a fast 11th Gen Intel Core i3 6500U processor to deliver super-fast performance.
They also equipped the laptop with 4GB DDR4 RAM, an NVIDIA GeForce 940MX graphics card, and a 256GB hard disk drive.
The laptop is very durable thanks to its alloy body that protects it from scratches and other damage caused by accidents or mishandling.
It also has a fingerprint scanner that helps to keep the computer safe while removing the hard drive for data recovery.
The laptop is also silent thanks to the acoustic design that stops the fans from making noise so as not to disturb you while working.
The laptop also has a fingerprint scanner to help keep it safe from thieves as it lets you access any of the computer’s main settings from anywhere with just a single touch on the pad.
2. Acer Chromebook Spin 11
Key Features:
- An 11.6” (29cm) display with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels
- A touchscreen panel with the Chrome OS
- Intel Celeron N3350 processor with 4GB RAM
- 360-degree hinge
- Battery life up to 10 hrs
The Acer Chromebook Spin 11 CP311-1H-C5PN has a lot going for it in terms of value for money, but there are a few flaws.
The good news is that if you don’t need a laptop with a touchscreen, the Acer Chromebook 13 CP311-1H-C5PN can still be your new best friend.
Although it is not one of the latest or greatest laptops out there, the Acer Chromebook Spin 11 CP311-1H-C5PN has a lot of features that make it well worth checking out.
In particular, this budget laptop has an 11.6in (29cm) HD display with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, which is of amazing quality at this price point.
It also comes with an Intel Celeron N3350 processor and 4GB RAM. Thus, proving that it meets expectations for excellent performance, watching videos, listening to music, using it for creative activities like using Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.
3. Lenovo IdeaPad 3
Key Features:
- FHD 14-inch IPS display with 1920 x 1080 resolution
- 2.1 AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor
- AMD Radeon 7 graphics
- Dolby sound system with 1080p video resolution
- Multiple ports with music jack, SD card reader, USB Type-B, and USB Type-C
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is one of the best laptops for Adobe Creative Cloud. It has an Intel Core processor, which means it can handle all your processing needs with ease.
The laptop also comes with a great graphics card that will help you run all of your Adobe programs smoothly.
This laptop is a good example of the range of products that Lenovo offers. This laptop delivers high performance at an affordable price.
It comes with an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, which provides the user with fast multi-threaded tasks and powerful graphics.
This laptop has a fast processor with smart features, which is also very good for multitasking.
The RAM in this laptop is 8GB, it can handle heavy tasks with no problems, this suffices for storing many files and programs.
4. Lenovo Flex 5
Key Features:
- A 2-in-1 convertible touchscreen design
- 360-degree hinge, narrow bezels with a fingerprint reader
- AMD Ryzen 5 4500U Processor
- AMD Radeon Graphics
- 16GB RAM along with 256GB SSD storage
- 720p webcam and multiple ports
The Lenovo Flex 5 is a convertible that you can use in two modes. The first mode is the laptop mode, while the second one is the tablet mode.
This means you have to flip it over and use it as a regular tablet. In laptop mode, you get a 14-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
They cover the screen in IPS technology and have an anti-glare coating to reduce the reflections from light sources.
It also features a backlight, which is not the usual option on laptops. The IPS technology allows you to view more colors and details on the screen while reducing reflections.
The laptop has a full-sized keyboard with an island-style layout that makes it easy to type in. The keyboard is also spill-resistant and has a backlight for easier typing in the dark.
5. Asus TUF A15
Key Features:
- Processor: 8th Generation Intel quad-core i5-8300H
- Smooth 16GB RAM with 1TB SSD storage
- Connectivity via USB ports, HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5
- 15.6-inch display with FHD display
- 2GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 GDDR5 space
The backlit keyboard has red lights, so you can find the correct key in low light. It has a full-size island-style keyboard that’s covered with soft-touch material and features red LED lighting.
It has well-spaced the keys out for easy typing, and there’s plenty of room between them to allow your fingers to reach every corner of the board.
The trackpad on this laptop is large enough for comfortable use, but I found it a bit too small for my taste.
It’s easy to use, but I frequently hit the wrong key when I was typing something out. They cover the touchpad with a smooth plastic surface that feels nice and soft under your fingers, but it makes them slide around occasionally.
6. HP Pavilion 15 15.6”
Key Features:
- 1.6GHz 8th Generation Intel Quad-Core i5-8250U processor
- 8GB RAM with 1TB hard disk drive
- 15.6-inch FHD display
- Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Backlit keyboard
The HP Pavilion 15 is a recent addition to the HP Pavilion line of laptops. It has a 15.6-inch display, with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
The laptop weighs in at 4.2lbs, which makes it quite heavy for its size, but it’s still comfortable enough to use for extended periods.
The HP Pavilion 15 has a full-sized keyboard with an island-style layout, and it’s backlit for easy typing in darker environments.
The keys are shallow, which may make them feel a little cramped if you’re used to using more traditional keyboards, but they’re still very comfortable to use.
The trackpad on the HP Pavilion 15 is large and responsive. It has a smooth surface which makes it easy to navigate around with your finger
However, the edges of the trackpad are just too rounded for me to use accurately without accidentally selecting an item on the screen or moving one of my cursor’s pointers.
7. HP Chromebook 14
Key Features:
- The 14-inch screen runs on Chrome OS
- Intel Celeron N4000 dual-core processor
- 4GB of RAM, 32GB of SSD storage
- Webcam resolution of 720p
The HP Chromebook 14 G5 has an aluminum body, a full HD screen, and it weighs only 1.8 kg. The Intel Celeron N4000 dual-core processor powers it with 4GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage expandable through a microSD card up to 128 GB.
The operating system installed on this device is Chrome OS, so you can install all your favorite apps from the Google Play Store or use them offline with no problem.
HP Chromebook 14 G5 comes with a 14-inch diagonal HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
It features an aluminum body, fingerprint scanner, and backlit keyboard. It measures only 16 mm thick, which makes it the thinnest device in its class.
8. HP Spectre x360
Key Features:
- Display: 15.6-inch 4K UHD
- 4 ports including thunderbolt, USB type-A, and earphone jack
- Processor: 4.7GHz 11th Gen Intel Quad-core i7-1165G7
- 16GB of RAM along with up to 256 GB SSD storage
- Dolby Audio Premium technology
The HP Spectre x360 is a 2-in-1 convertible laptop with a 360° hinge that allows the screen to be rotated from landscape to portrait modes.
They have designed it for versatility and provide users with an immersive viewing experience when used in tablet mode.
The Spectre x360 comes with a 15.6-inch IPS touchscreen display that allows for full HD (1920×1080) resolution and has an anti-glare coating to reduce reflections on the screen, which makes it ideal for bright environments.
The laptop has an aluminum chassis that provides durability and is available in silver or gold color options, with the latter featuring a gradient finish on the lid.
It also comes with Dolby Atmos audio technology to provide rich sound quality from your laptop.
9. Acer Aspire 7
Key Features:
- Processor: 4.1GHz 9th Generation Intel Core i5-9300H
- 4GB graphics storage with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
- 15.6-inch FHD LED display
- 2 built-in microphones
The Aspire 7 is a mid-range laptop that has an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB solid-state drive. The display is 1366 x 768 pixels with LED backlighting.
It also features USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI port, an SD card reader, and Wi-Fi support for fast internet connectivity when traveling or working away from home.
Acer’s Aspire 7 comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Home but you can upgrade to Windows 10 Pro.
The trackpad is large and responsive with multi-touch gestures that are easy to use.
The Acer Aspire 7 has a decent set of connectivity options, including two USB 3 ports, an HDMI port, an SD card reader, and 802.11ac Wi-Fi support for fast Internet connectivity when traveling or working away from home.
Conclusion
For buying a good best-budget laptop for Adobe Creative Cloud like Photoshop and other Adobe products, you’ll find that there is a wide range of laptops that you can buy.
You can get a cheap laptop under $300, but will it be able to handle the programs you need to run?
These kinds of cheap laptops might be good for browsing the web and writing papers, but when you load up programs and graphics, you may not handle the load.
We recommend looking for a laptop that’s not too expensive and can run the programs you need to run.
It’s important to research before you begin your search for a new laptop for working with Adobe Creative Cloud.
There are many features that you should know before you look, like the type of processor the laptop has, how much storage it has, and what operating system it has.
These are important considerations when shopping for the best laptop for Adobe Creative Cloud 2021.
Abhishek Jariwala is the Founder, Editor and Owner of LaptopsMatter.com. He is a passionate geek who loves to tinker around with the latest phones, tablets and laptops as soon as they launch. He also loves to help people pick up their best laptops for their purposes which is also the reason why this site was made.
