5 Best Laptops for 2D Animation in 2023

Are you a 2D animator who is looking for the best laptop for creating nice and impressive animations?

If you are looking for a laptop that combines beauty, intelligence, storytelling, and creativity, you have come to the right place.

Let’s begin the quest to discover the finest laptops for animation!

The best laptops for 2D animation have strong processors, good displays, enough RAM, and reliable storage.

5 Best Laptops for 2D Animation Creation

Here are the top options to consider:

1. HP ZBook 15u G6: Overall Pick

Best Laptops for Your 2D Animation

To make 2D animations, you need a good laptop that works well and is reliable.

Among the top contenders for 2D animators is the HP ZBook 15u G6 Workstation Laptop.

Let’s take a closer look at why this laptop stands out as a top choice for 2D animation professionals.

Specifications

  • Brand: HP
  • Model Name: ZBook 15u G6
  • Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
  • Color: Ash Silver
  • Hard Disk Size: 256 GB
  • CPU Model: Core i7
  • Ram Memory Installed Size: 32 GB
  • Operating System Windows: 10 Pro
  • Special Feature: Fingerprint
  • Graphics Card Description: Dedicated

Display

The HP ZBook 15u G6 features a 15.6-inch Full HD display with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels.

This screen is clear and vibrant, so you can work with precision and accuracy on your animations.

Processor

This laptop works well. It has an Intel Core i7-8565U processor from the 8th generation.

The CPU has four cores and runs at 1.80GHz, but can go up to 4.60GHz with Turbo Boost.

With an 8MB Smart Cache, the processor handles complex animation tasks with ease.

GPU

The laptop comes with a dedicated AMD Pro WX 3200 graphics card featuring 4GB of GDDR5 memory.

The strong graphics-processing unit (GPU) makes animations faster, perfect for 2D animators.

Storage

The HP ZBook 15u G6 has a 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD for storage. The SSD has enough space for your animation files.

It also has faster read and write speeds. These speeds are important for accessing and saving large animation projects.

RAM

This laptop has 32GB of RAM, which allows you to multitask easily and work smoothly.

It’s easy to use different animation software and layers because there’s enough memory space.

Battery Life

The battery life of the HP ZBook G6 laptop is quite decent, allowing you to work on the go without any concerns about power running out.

The laptop has a 3-cell 56WHr battery. It can last up to 7 hours on one charge, depending on how you use it.

Pros of the HP ZBook:

  • Powerful processor.
  • The excellent antiglare display
  • Ample 32GB DDR4 RAM
  • Dedicated AMD Pro WX 3200 graphics card
  • 56W Power Supply, which can last up to 6 hours.
  • 1-year warranty from HP

Cons of the HP ZBook:

  • Battery life could be better

2. ASUS ZenBook Pro: Best Value 2D Animation Laptop

best budget 2d animation laptop from ASUS

The ASUS ZenBook Pro is a strong laptop made for animators. It brings 2D creations to life with accuracy and attention to detail.

It is also versatile and ticks all the right boxes. This laptop has a stunning 15.6-inch touchscreen. It also has excellent graphics and a strong processor.

ASUS ZenBook has plenty of storage space and memory, making it perfect for 2D animation and other tasks. Let’s find out the key features in detail:

Specifications

  • Brand: ASUS
  • Model Name: Zenbook
  • Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
  • Color: Silver
  • Hard Disk Size: 512 GB
  • CPU Model: Core i7
  • Ram Memory Installed Size: 16 GB
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Home
  • Graphics Card Description: Dedicated
  • Graphics Coprocessor: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M

Display

The ZenBook Pro has a stunning 15.6-inch touchscreen display with 4K Ultra-HD resolution. The resolution is 3840 x 2160 pixels.

The screen is perfect for animators because it has clear, bright colors and sharp images. They can see every detail.

Processor

The ZenBook Pro has a strong Intel Skylake Core i7-6700HQ quad-core CPU. It can process tasks quickly with a clock speed of 2.6 GHz, and it can boost up to 3.5 GHz.

The processor’s architecture makes rendering and multitasking more efficient, allowing for smooth animation.

GPU

The laptop is equipped with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M graphics card. This graphics card makes 2D animations look and move better, so they are smoother to watch and work with.

The strong CPU and dedicated GPU make animations enjoyable.

Storage

The ZenBook Pro has a large 512GB storage drive that transfers data very quickly, up to 1400MB/s.

This makes animation software load faster and gives quick access to project files. It helps make the creative process more efficient and productive.

RAM

The laptop has 16GB RAM, enough for complex animations and multitasking.

A large amount of RAM helps animators work smoothly on many layers, effects, and assets at once.

Battery Life

The ASUS ZenBook Pro laptop has a dependable battery. This battery lets you work on tasks and projects for a long time without needing to find a power outlet.

The laptop’s battery life on average, it offers up to 8-10 hours of usage on a single charge.

Pros of the ASUS ZenBook:

  • One year of international warranty
  • Fantastic Performance
  • Fast Connectivity with, Thunderbolt
  • Great graphics
  • Touch screen with ten touchpoints
  • Factory color calibration for Photoshop and other 2D software
  • Good heat management

Cons of the ASUS ZenBook:

  • A little heavy

3. Acer Predator Helios 300: Best High-End Laptop for 2D & 3D Creation

 Acer Predator Helios 300 for 2d creation

To create 2D animation, you need a laptop that can handle complex graphics and rendering.

The Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop is perfect for animators who want to bring their creations to life.

This laptop delivers smooth animations with its strong hardware, good display, and cool design.

Specifications

  • Brand: Acer
  • Model Name: Acer Predator Series
  • Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
  • Color: Black
  • Hard Disk Size: 256 GB
  • CPU Model: Core i7
  • Ram Memory Size: 16 GB
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Home
  • Graphics Card: Dedicated
  • Graphics Coprocessor: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060

Display

The Acer Predator Helios 300 has a 15.6-inch screen that shows high-definition images.

The screen is wide and has bright LED lights. It refreshes quickly, showing new images 144 times per second.

The display has a high-refresh-rate, so it shows smooth and fluid visuals. It’s great for animators who need precision and accuracy.

Processor

This laptop has a powerful 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8750H 6-Core Processor.

It can reach speeds of up to 4.1GHz, making it very fast.

The processor has multiple cores, making it easy for animators to do tasks like rendering and multitasking.

GPU

The Acer Predator Helios 300 has a powerful NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card. It can produce excellent graphics with its 6GB of dedicated GDDR5 VRAM.

The dedicated GPU makes animations look smooth and easy to work with, giving animators an immersive experience.

Storage

This laptop has enough memory for big animation projects and fast data access. It has 16GB of DDR4 2666MHz DRAM Memory and a 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD.

Additionally, an extra accessible slot allows for easy expansion with a 2.5-inch hard drive or SSD.

RAM

The Acer Predator has 16GB of RAM, enough for multitasking and running animation software.

Battery Life

The Acer Predator Helios 300 laptop is known for its impressive battery life, providing users with extended usage on a single charge.

On average, this gaming laptop offers a battery life of around 6 to 7 hours under normal usage conditions.

This is particularly noteworthy for a gaming laptop, as high-performance components typically consume more power.

Pros of the Helios:

  • Long battery life, can last for more than 7 hours
  • Excellent performance for demanding applications
  • Does get hotter
  • High-quality build
  • Antiglare matt screen even when using it outdoors.
  • Easy to upgrade

Cons of the Helios:

  • Little heavy

4. Gigabyte AERO 17 HDR XD: Best Display Screen Laptop for Animation Creators

high end 2d and 3d creation laptop

Aspiring animators and creative professionals need a powerful laptop. The laptop should be able to handle complex rendering and graphics tasks.

The Gigabyte AERO 17 HDR XD is a fantastic laptop for creators. It has the latest technology and powerful hardware.

Let’s delve into its key features and see why it’s one of the best laptops for 2D animation.

Specifications

  • Brand: Gigabyte
  • Model Name: AERO 17 HDR XD-73US524SP
  • Screen Size: 17.3 Inches
  • Color: Black
  • Hard Disk Size: 1 TB
  • CPU Model: Intel Mobile CPU
  • Ram Memory Size: 16 GB
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
  • Special Feature: Anti-glare
  • Graphics Card Description: Dedicated

Display

The Gigabyte AERO 17 HDR XD boasts a stunning 17.3-inch UHD 4k IPS anti-glare display. This laptop has a resolution of 3840×2160.

The VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification gives vivid and lifelike visuals to the display.

The monitor shows colors accurately, which is great for animators who need precise colors.

It has a 100% Adobe RGB color gamut, X-Rite certification, and Pantone validation.

Processor

This laptop has exceptional processing power. The 11th Gen Intel Core i7-11800H processor powers it.

The processor has a base clock of 2.3GHz and can turbo boost up to 4.6GHz.

The six-core processor helps animators work on complex projects without any slowdowns. It allows seamless multitasking and smooth performance.

GPU

The Gigabyte AERO 17 HDR XD is equipped with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU with 8GB GDDR6 VRAM.

This graphics card is great for animation and rendering tasks.

It has a boost clock of 1290 Mhz and uses a max graphics power of 105W. It delivers outstanding performance. NVIDIA DLSS is added to improve animation workflows.

It uses AI rendering to make things better. It boosts efficiency and speed.

Storage

The Gigabyte AERO 17 HDR XD has a big 1TB SSD, so you can store lots of animation files, software, and project assets.

The lightning-fast SSD ensures quick data access, reducing load times and enhancing productivity.

RAM

The laptop comes with 16GB of DDR4 memory, with a maximum capacity of 64 GB. Animators can easily work on memory-intensive projects and multitask smoothly.

Battery Life

The Gigabyte AERO 17 HDR XD laptop has a long battery life, so you can work and have fun while traveling.

On average, this laptop offers a battery life of around 8 to 10 hours under normal usage conditions.

The laptop has impressive battery life, considering its powerful hardware like a high-resolution display and dedicated GPU.

Pros of Gigabyte AERO:

  • Powerful Processor for Animations
  • 17inch, Antiglare display
  • Impressive GPU
  • Sleek and portable
  • Decent battery life

Cons of Gigabyte AERO:

  • Expensive

5. Apple 2021 MacBook Pro: Top-End Pick for Content Creators

To create 2D animations, you need a powerful and reliable laptop that brings your ideas to life. The Apple 2021 MacBook Pro is a great choice.

It has advanced technology and performs well.

Let’s look at the important parts of this powerful device and see why it’s great for 2D animation.

Specifications:

  • Brand: Apple
  • Model Name: MacBook Pro
  • Screen Size: 16.2 Inches
  • Color: Space Gray
  • Hard Disk Size: 512 GB
  • CPU Model: ARM 7100
  • Ram Memory: Size 32 GB
  • Operating System: MacOS 12 Monterey
  • Graphics Card Description: Integrated
  • Graphics Coprocessor: M1 Pro

Display

The Apple 2021 MacBook Pro has a beautiful 16.2-inch Retina display that shows clear and colorful images.

With its Space Gray color option, the laptop exudes a sleek and sophisticated look. The screen is clear, so animators can see small details and work efficiently.

Processor

The MacBook Pro uses the M1 Pro chip from Apple, which greatly improves performance in CPU, GPU, and machine learning.

The 10-core CPU is 2 times faster, so animators can easily handle complex pro workflows.

GPU

The 16-core GPU is great for graphics-intensive apps and games, providing up to 4x faster performance.

Animators can render high-quality visuals and experience smooth animations without any lag or stuttering.

Storage

With a generous 512GB SSD, the MacBook Pro offers ample storage for animation projects, software, and creative assets.

The SSD makes data access fast. It also speeds up boot times and app launches. This helps workflow smoothly.

RAM

The laptop has 32GB of RAM, perfect for handling big animation files and multitasking.

Animators can work on complex projects with multiple applications at the same time without slowdowns. They have an impressive memory capacity.

Battery Life

The Apple 2021 MacBook Pro 16″ has a long-lasting battery, so you can use it for work and play without needing to charge it often.

On average, this laptop offers up to 21 hours of battery life under normal usage conditions

Pros of Apple MacBook:

  • Best display
  • Superfast SSD storage
  • Powerful processor to work with demanding 2D software.
  • Excellent battery life

Cons of Apple MacBook:

  • Expensive

Conclusion

If you are an animation expert, you would need a different laptop than others. You need a really fast machine, which can run 3D and 2D applications well.

To ensure faster loading, you will need a fast SSD drive for applications and project files.

We carefully selected these options. If budget isn’t a problem, we recommend the MacBook Pro 16“.

This laptop is special because it has a powerful processor, a good display, and is easy to use.