It's expensive, but you get a stunning laptop that will last you for years. The latest MacBook Pro also thankfully comes with a wider selection of ports than previous generations, including Thunderbolt 4 ports and a full-size HDMI port as well. The 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is the best screen we've seen on a laptop, and it offers plenty of space to work with too. And if you have especially high demands, you can pretty much upgrade the entry configuration as high as you could possibly need, with up to 64GB RAM and 8TB storage. You have the choice of either the M1 Pro or M1 Max chips – both super-fast chips made by Apple, and both offer excellent results when it comes to working with demanding architectural software. It may be an older model in the Pro range, but it's a great option that still holds up today and is more affordable than later models. We believe the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021) is the best laptop for architects overall. The best laptops for architects available now Our guide to the best office chairs will also be useful for architects and designers who spend long hours in front of the screen. If you’re wanting to try out other transferable skills to enhance your architecture practice, you can check out our picks for the best laptop for drawing or the best laptops for animation.

You might also find our guide to the most powerful laptops useful if you have a bigger budget. We've included a lot of older models that will still do the job you need at a lower price than the newer devices. Thankfully, whether you’re a seasoned professional, a student just starting out in architecture or even a DIY home renovation enthusiast, there are now plenty of laptops that offer this combination of power and portability. We've tested each of these machines for several days or weeks, running demanding design programs to assess the performance, features, screen quality and value of each laptop. We’ve used our expert reviews and testing experience to compile a list of laptops that will meet an architect’s needs.

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