Things like 3D modelling and CG have become a staple for animators across the world, with universities adapting to the new norm by offering classes to aid aspiring 3D animators around the world. One such tool that's making the art form accessible is Blender. Blender is a free and open source 3D creation suite. Since it is an open source software, users comfortable with coding can even create their own version based on the Blender source code. And since 3D animation is very graphically and resource intensive, we're going to need some of the best laptops for Blender to fully take advantage of the free platform.
Prior to Softwares Like Blender
The mystical, wonderful world of animation took the nation's youth by storm as cartoons like Mickey Mouse, Betty Boop, Popeye, Tom & Jerry and many wonderous universes and genres sprang forth. While hand drawn animation thrived back in the early 1900's when cartoons and animation became popular, by the 21st century many had strayed onto a different art style: 3D Animation.
Computer animated and designed characters, movies, and TV cartoons has been a staple for quite a while now. For reference, the last hand drawn Disney film was the Princess and The Frog (2009). Meaning, we've lived in a world where 3D animation and computer generated animation is the norm. That's not to say that it's a bad thing, but it's a definite change for sure.
So let's take a minute to truly understand what Blender is all about.
What Is Blender?
Blender is a free and open source software for all things 3D animation related. Meaning, any possible work you might need to do in 3D such as animation, modelling, simulation, rendering, motion tracking, game design and video editing, you can do on Blender.
But what it really is, is an accessible tool for aspiring 3D artists to gain experience working on actual 3D models and design.
But the tool is not limited solely for smaller studios and individuals working on 3D modelling. There have even been Netflix animated films made solely through Blender, along with several other feature films and short 3D animations. Even blockbuster films like Wonder Woman and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 have elements created and refined within Blender. Essentially, a popular and integral tool for film industry veterans and beginners alike.
One of the best parts about Blender is the amount of support you can get from the community. Since it is a free software available to all, the community now thrives in helping each other, solving problems and giving tutorials to newcomers wanting to experience 3D modelling for themselves. There are also online classes on learning platforms and plentiful of YouTube tutorials which will teach you all you need to know about 3D modelling, design, animation and much much more.
The fact that Blender is free to use is a very important point, as similar software can range up to over thousands of dollars for a yearly subscription. Not particularly consumer friendly, really.
A community that helps each other finding bugs in the program, creating new features and improving quality-of-life experience is ultimately self sufficient. This also means you aren't beholden to uncontactable support staff from similar design software and programs. I'm sure many creatives can relate to the struggle.
Now that we've gotten a better understanding of what Blender has to offer, let's check out the minimum and recommended system requirements needed to run this on an animators laptop.
System Requirements
Minimum System Requirements
Based on the minimum system requirements, we can determine the best laptops to run Blender will need to have some substantial specs. They also mentioned on their official page for their requirements that your laptop should not be over 10 years old.
We would also whole heartedly agree.
Since blender is quite a graphic and resource intensive program, it'd be worth it to invest in a laptop that overshoots this minimum spec sheet.
The main specs we'll have to pay attention to is the processor, RAM, display and graphics card.
From the minimum specs stated above, you'll need a 64-bit dual core processor with 2Ghz speeds and at least 4GB RAM. That's not an impossible ask, essentially meaning a Intel Core i3 should be our very base spec to get Blender running. The best laptop for Blender however, will probably be running a much higher spec sheet with a quad-core processor and over 8GB RAM.
The graphics card is also an important component for Blender and other similar editing software. A minimum of 1GB VRAM is required, but with just 1GB of VRAM, you might run into frequent crashes and slow load times when loading up projects with a bunch of elements embedded.
Basically, the laptops for animation we'll be listing out will need a consistent power across almost every spec. Now that we've seen what the minimum to run Blender requires, let's take a look at the recommended system specs.
Recommended System Requirements
The recommended specs stated here are far and beyond what the minimum specs were listed as.
For starters, to fully embrace and imagine your 3D modelling and designs, you're going to need at the very least a Full HD display to get the best clarity and details. You could opt for a 4K UHD display, but frankly, a Full HD display will always be cheaper and more than sufficient for most needs and programs.
Another important spec is the processor where you'll need to up the ante a bit from the dual-core minimum spec. You'll need a 64-bit quad-core processor, so something similar to a Intel Core i5 or Intel Core i7 processor. A laptop brandishing a 10th/11th Generation Intel Core i7 processor would be your best bet, ensuring performance for years to come.
However, the processor isn't the only spec that'll dictate your laptop for animation performance. The recommended system specs also mention a whopping 16GB RAM capacity and at least 4GB VRAM on your graphics card.
The 16GB RAM may seem a bit much, but it's a necessary investment to help manage your projects and 3D animations without slowing down the process.
For the graphics card, we'll aim to keep a base NVIDIA GeForce GTX, which should be more than sufficient to handle Blender's requirements.
Now that we understand what we require to run Blender at its best, let's take a look at some extra features that could enhance the 3D designing experience.
Features To Look Out For
1. 2-in-1 Functionality
One standout feature that the best laptop for Blender could have is 2-in-1 functionality. 2-in-1 functionality relates to laptops and devices that are capable of turning into multiple modes of use.
For example, a 2-in-1 laptop would firstly be able to be used as a laptop, but it may include functionality that allows it to transform into a tablet, or a kickstand mode independent of the keyboard. Most notably, functionality like this would allow artists and designers to fully utilize their laptop with a stylus for hand drawn images and graphics, as well as touchscreen functionality.
A 2-in-1 laptop would also allow for 3D artists to use a tablet and pen setup without having to purchase extra hardware for a manual input.
Saves you money in the long run, really. Most 2-in-1 laptops also feature powerful Intel Core i7 processors and almost flagship graphic cards like the NVIDIA GeForce GTX. This added feature is basically manufactured solely for artists of any kind, including 3D artists. So this type of of laptop may very well be the best laptop for you.
2. Battery Life
Battery life is a pretty standard measurement of how 'good' a laptop is solely as the longer battery life you have, the longer you can use the laptop untethered from a charger. Pretty self explanatory why this feature would be a fantastic added bonus for 3D designers. A longer battery, like over 8 hours would do well for designers needing to use their laptop all day without worrying about packing that extra, heavy charger.
For the artist on the go, moving from classes, to cafes, libraries, meetings and back home, you're going to need to rely on how long your battery can last. A long lasting battery life will also add to the portability aspect of your laptop . Portable laptops that needs charging every 3 hours, aren't very 'portable', are they?
3. Graphically Powerful Gaming Laptops
Another possible option for 3D designers and artists is to cop one of the extensively capable, best gaming laptops for Blender to ensure powerful graphical performance.
At the end of the day, the most important spec you'll need to look out for is how powerful your graphics card is. To ensure steady, smooth performance in Blender, you're going to need to get a laptop (or gaming laptop) equipped with a powerful graphics card such as: the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650. For graphic designers, this level of graphics card should be more than well equipped to handle the graphically intensive Blender. Not to mention it will aid performance in similar editing software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.
A gaming laptop is well equipped with some of the best processors, RAM and storage for graphically intensive programs, making it much easier for 3D animators to find a complete, capable package with everything you could possibly need. And plus, since there's so many gaming laptop brands and price points to choose from, you're sure to find something suiting your budget and preferences.
Best Laptop For Blender
Now that we've gone through the minimum requirements and special 'features' to look for , let's get straight into our search for the best laptops for Blender!
1. Microsoft Surface Pro 7
The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is one of the best, premium 2-in-1 laptops available for a reason. Mostly because they're modeled and created by Microsoft, making it one of the most optimized and consumer ready laptops available in the market today. It blends design and function seamlessly, starting off with a 12.3-inch PixelSense display with a 2736 x 1824 resolution. But as it is a 2-in-1 laptop, you will be able to pair the device with the Surface Pen and Surface Type cover to use the laptop in three various modes: Laptop mode, Studio Mode, and Tablet Mode. With this, you'll be able to draw, animate, edit and pretty much any other task within Blender, comfortably from any and every possible scenario.
While the display size a bit lacking, the laptop makes up for with a stunning display resolution, lightweight body and powerful performance. Speaking of performance, the laptop comes with one of the latest 10th Generation Intel Core i7-1065G7 processors making it a very capable performer in such a small body. The Intel Core i7 processor is further complimented by a hefty 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD which should handle Blender relatively well. Though the slight downside here being it's equipped with only an on-board Intel Iris Plus Graphics card, but based on the supporting firepower, the Surface Pro 7 should be more than capable of handling all your 3D modelling needs.
Besides the stellar internals, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 also features some great extras like InstantOn, Windows Hello, and up to 10.5 hours of battery life. While all this power and versatility does come at a high cost, the investment will more than pay off as you dive into 3D projects and your artwork. For the best, you've got to pay a little more.
2. Acer Predator Helios 300
A stellar gaming laptop which does all the core essentials just right, the Acer Predator Helios 300 is stacked to the rim with power. First off, we've got a rather standard 15.6-inch Full HD display but is capable of a silky smooth 144Hz refresh rate. A higher refresh rate, like 144Hz will essentially make things on the display move and load faster, meaning a smoother, no-lag interface that blows by the competition. This is a major advantage to the Acer Predator Helios 300, simply because you will only see these types of specs on a gaming laptop. This will no doubt make Blender and tasks within the program look much smoother than a standard 60Hz refresh rate display panel.
The laptop also features some fancy firepower. Powering the gaming beast is an 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8750H processor with 16GB of RAM and 256GB SSD supporting it. The only fault I'd find with the laptop is the slightly dated 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8750H processor, but it will still be very capable for any and everything you need to do on Blender. Supporting the CPU is a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card, ensure steady performance within Blender. Another gamer-centric feature that will work well for 3D animators and designers is the AeroBlade 3D fans which helps to regulate heat with better airflow and aerodynamics built-in the laptop.
Besides the overly gamer aesthetic, you are getting some extra features that will serve you well on your 3D modelling journey; Up to 7 hours battery, metal chassis for durability, red backlit keyboard and an extra SSD/HDD slot to expand storage. Overall, a powerful, capable gaming laptop that will get you working on your art as efficiently as possible.
3. Apple MacBook Pro 2020
If you were more accustomed to macOS and Apple's hardware, the latest Apple MacBook Pro will serve you very well. For starters, the laptop is equipped with a stunning 16-inch Retina display with a flurry of on-board display tech to bolster the viewing experience. Some of these features include 500 nits of brightness, P3 wide color gamut and True Tone technology to automatically adjust the display tone to match the surrounding environment. Besides the display, the 16-inch behemoth also features a very simple, minimalist and premium approach to the design and build quality. Something we're very familiar with from Apple's MacBook laptop lineup.
What's more impressive than the design however, is the performance. With this variant of the MacBook Pro, we're met with a 9th Generation 6-core Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD. Pretty formidable performance here, and the reason I'm putting the Intel Core i7 MacBook Pro on the list rather than the M1 Chip variant is simply as we still don't know how well or if Blender works on the laptop. To be safe, the slightly more expensive Intel Core i7 variant will be a safer bet. Not to mention this variant also comes with an AMD Radeon Pro 5330M GPU, which will get Blender running smoothly with no lag or slowdowns.
Other than the impressive performance and aesthetics, the laptop features some great Apple exclusive features like Touch ID and the Touch Bar which features shortcuts and elements based on the App you're using. You also get up to 11 hours battery, a backlit Magic Keyboard, a staggering four Thunderbolt 3 ports. These Thunderbolt 3 ports will be used for charging, DisplayPort, as well as Thunderbolt 3 transfer speeds. All these specs and power mashed in will cost you a pretty penny, but what you get in return is nothing but the best.
4. Lenovo Flex 5
If you were looking for an affordable, yet capable 2-in-1 functional laptop, the Lenovo Flex 5 may be the right laptop for you. On the front of the laptop we've got a 14-inch Full HD display with 4-sided narrow bezels resulting in a fantastic looking display frame. The razor thin bezels truly makes the screen pop out on the laptop, that much more. And since it is a 2-in-1 laptop, you'll be able to use the laptop in four various modes; Laptop mode, Tent mode, Stand mode and Tablet mode. The versatility here is great, and will help manage and use Blender in a number of form factors. Other than the display, the laptop follows a one-tone dark grey look and weighs in at only 3.64lbs and measures in at only 0.82" thick.
As versatile as it is, the laptop also features fantastic internals that bolster the performance. For the processor we've got an AMD Ryzen 5 4500U mobile processor, 16GB RAM and 256GB of SSD storage. This might not be the most stacked, powerful laptop around, but considering the price tag we're probably looking at one of the best cheap laptop for Blender around. Adding to Blender's performance is an AMD Integrated Graphics card which leaves a lot to be desired, but knowing AMD's history of devices and processors, I'm comfortable advocating for its performance in Blender.
Besides the impressive performance-to-price ratio, the laptop also includes some special features; Dolby Audio speakers, up to 10 hours battery with 0-80% charge in just an hour, backlit keyboard, and a physical webcam shutter. All in all, an impressive arsenal of features, power and versatility for a truly impressive price tag.
5. HP Envy 15
The HP Envy 15 is another impressive, affordable laptop with fantastic design, a gorgeous display and substantial performance. Starting off, we've got a 15.6-inch FHD edge-to-edge display, thanks to the super thin bezels all around the sides and top of the display frame. This results in a 82% screen-to-body ratio to fully optimize the viewing experience. Other than the display, we're met with a refined look with geometric design patterns all around the chassis and speaker grille. Other than that, we've got a premium built laptop with an alluring aesthetic.
A pretty face isn't the only thing the laptop has going for it, with a 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H, 16GB RAM and a sizable 512GB SSD. The 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H is essentially an upgrade over the previously mentioned Intel Core i7-8750H mentioned on the Acer Predator Helios 300. You're actually getting better performance here on a cheaper, slimmer, sleeker laptop. Accompanying the impressive internals is a powerful NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti, which will get Blender running like a dream. This laptop is one of the best laptop configurations as a whole we've seen thus far, with flagship level internals, attractive design and an affordable price tag.
Some other notable features the HP Envy 15 comes with includes up to 15 hours of battery life, a fingerprint reader, backlit keyboard, touchscreen display, and a 0-50% charge in only half an hour.
Conclusion
Now that we've seen some of the best laptops for Blender, we'll have to declare a winner as the best of the best.
This time around, our champion is none other than the Lenovo Flex 5!
The potent combination of steady performance, 2-in-1 functionality, sleek design and form factor, and super affordable price tag makes this a value champ with all the right specs. You even get a digital pen included in the bundle to get you started creating artwork in Blender easily, without having to worry about slow performance and battery life. An outstanding all-rounder suitable for both beginners and veterans in the tough 3D modelling industry.
