Best Laptops for Video Editing

by | Jun 24, 2021 | Laptops

Are you tired of your laptop slowing down every time you try to edit videos? As video editing becomes more accessible, many creators face the challenge of finding a laptop that can handle the demanding tasks of rendering, color grading, and exporting without freezing or crashing. With so many options on the market, how do you know which laptop will offer the best performance for your editing needs?

Choosing the right laptop for video editing isn’t just about speed; it’s about finding a machine that balances processing power, graphics capabilities, display quality, and portability. Whether you’re editing casual YouTube videos or working on professional-level projects, the best laptops for video editing can significantly enhance your workflow, ensuring a smooth and efficient editing experience.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the top features to look for in a video editing laptop and highlight some of the best laptops for video editing in 2024. You’ll also discover budget-friendly options, recommendations for professional creators, and insights into future trends, helping you choose the perfect laptop for your needs.

Key Features to Look for in the Best Laptops for Video Editing

When searching for the best laptops for video editing, it’s essential to consider several key features that ensure smooth performance, fast rendering, and accurate color representation. Video editing is resource-intensive, and the right combination of CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, and display quality can make all the difference in delivering a seamless editing experience. By understanding the significance of these components, you’ll be better equipped to choose the ideal laptop for your creative needs.

Processing Power (CPU)
A powerful processor is the heart of any video editing laptop. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) handles the majority of tasks in editing software, from loading your project to rendering the final video. Look for laptops with multi-core processors like Intel’s i7 or i9 series, or Apple’s M1 and M2 chips. These processors are designed to handle complex tasks such as applying filters, encoding video files, and running multiple applications simultaneously. More cores mean your laptop can handle heavier workloads, making it one of the best laptops for video editing.

Graphics Card (GPU)
For video editors, a dedicated GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is equally important. The GPU accelerates rendering and playback of video files, particularly when working with high-resolution content like 4K or 8K footage. Laptops equipped with NVIDIA’s RTX series or AMD’s Radeon GPUs are ideal for real-time editing and effects processing. A strong GPU can significantly reduce export times and improve the overall responsiveness of video editing software, ensuring a smoother workflow.

RAM and Storage
Memory (RAM) plays a critical role in video editing by allowing your laptop to handle large files and multitask without slowing down. For basic video editing, 16GB of RAM is a good starting point, but for more advanced projects and professional work, 32GB or more is recommended. RAM ensures that your laptop can run editing software and multiple browser tabs, plugins, or background tasks without stalling.

Storage is another crucial factor. Solid-state drives (SSD) are the best choice for video editing laptops because they are faster and more reliable than traditional hard drives (HDD). An SSD allows you to access your files quicker, reduces boot times, and ensures faster performance when editing or exporting video projects. For most editors, a 512GB or 1TB SSD should suffice, but external drives can also be used to store large video files if more space is needed.

Display Quality
A laptop’s display quality is paramount for video editing. A high-resolution screen with excellent color accuracy ensures that what you see on your laptop matches the final output. Look for laptops with at least a 1080p resolution, but if possible, opt for 4K displays for the sharpest, most detailed visuals. OLED panels and Retina displays also offer deeper blacks and more vibrant colors, which are essential when working on color grading and fine-tuning your footage. The size of the display matters, too—larger screens offer more workspace and reduce eye strain during long editing sessions.

Battery Life and Portability
While power is essential, video editors who work remotely or travel frequently also need a laptop with decent battery life. Although high-performance laptops often drain battery quickly during intense editing sessions, there are several models that balance power and longevity. A laptop that offers at least 8-10 hours of battery life can keep you productive even when you’re away from a power outlet. Additionally, lightweight and portable designs make it easier to carry your workstation with you wherever you go.

Top Picks: Best Laptops for Video Editing in 2024

As video editing becomes more widespread, laptop manufacturers are stepping up their game, offering machines with the power and performance needed to tackle high-end video projects. From sleek MacBooks to versatile Windows laptops, there are options that cater to both casual creators and professional editors. Each of these laptops excels in delivering the performance, portability, and display quality required for video editing, making them the best laptops for video editing in 2024.

1. Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M1 Max/M2 Max)

Key Features:

  • Powered by Apple’s M1 Max/M2 Max chip, offering up to 64GB of unified RAM.
  • Up to 8TB SSD for massive storage needs.
  • 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with 3456 x 2234 resolution, offering incredible color accuracy and brightness.
  • Up to 21 hours of battery life.

Why It’s Ideal for Video Editing:

The Apple MacBook Pro is renowned for its seamless integration with video editing software like Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro, providing smooth playback and faster render times.

Its exceptional Liquid Retina XDR display is perfect for color grading, with deep blacks and vibrant colors, enhancing the editing experience.

The laptop’s battery life and lightweight design make it a perfect choice for editors who need to work on the go without sacrificing performance.

MacBook Pro (16-inch, M1 Pro/M2 Max)
The MacBook Pro continues to dominate as one of the best laptops for video editing. Its M1 Pro and M2 Max chips provide exceptional processing power, enabling fast rendering and seamless multitasking with even the most demanding editing software. The 16-inch Retina display offers outstanding color accuracy and a high resolution, perfect for editing 4K content. Its long battery life, combined with the power of macOS optimization for editing software like Final Cut Pro, makes it the top choice for creative professionals.

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2. Dell XPS 17 (9720)

Key Features:

  • Powered by Intel Core i7 or i9 12th Gen processors.
  • Up to 64GB of RAM and 2TB SSD for powerful performance and ample storage.
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU for efficient rendering and editing.
  • 17-inch 4K UHD+ display with 100% Adobe RGB color gamut.

Why It’s Ideal for Video Editing:

The Dell XPS 17 offers a large, high-resolution display that’s perfect for multitasking and detailed editing work.

With a powerful CPU, ample RAM, and a dedicated GPU, it handles high-resolution video editing and rendering tasks smoothly.

Its sleek design and relatively lightweight build make it a versatile option for both desktop and on-the-go editing.

3. Razer Blade 15 Advanced Model

Key Features:

  • Available with Intel Core i7 or i9 12th Gen processors.
  • Up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB SSD.
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti/3080 Ti GPUs for high-end graphics performance.
  • 15.6-inch 4K OLED display with excellent color accuracy and a high refresh rate.

Why It’s Ideal for Video Editing:

The Razer Blade 15 combines portability with high performance, making it an excellent choice for video editors who need a compact, powerful machine.

The 4K OLED display offers brilliant color accuracy, crucial for professional video editing and grading.

Its premium build quality and sleek design also make it a desirable option for creatives.

4. HP Spectre x360 16 (2024)

Key Features:

  • Intel Core i7 12th Gen processors with up to 32GB of RAM.
  • Storage options up to 2TB SSD.
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU for solid performance.
  • 16-inch 3K+ OLED touchscreen display.

Why It’s Ideal for Video Editing:

The HP Spectre x360 16’s 2-in-1 design adds versatility, allowing editors to use it as a traditional laptop or in tablet mode for more hands-on editing tasks.

The vibrant OLED display provides excellent color depth and accuracy, suitable for video editing and creative work.

Its lightweight and portable design make it a good choice for those who travel frequently.

5. ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15

Key Features:

  • Powered by AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS processor with up to 32GB of RAM.
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060/3070 GPU options.
  • 1TB SSD storage.
  • 15.6-inch QHD display with a 165Hz refresh rate.

Why It’s Ideal for Video Editing:

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 offers excellent performance in a sleek and lightweight package, making it great for both gaming and video editing.

The high-refresh-rate QHD display provides smooth playback and editing experience.

Its long battery life and robust performance make it ideal for editors who need a versatile laptop for different tasks.

6. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio

Key Features:

  • Equipped with Intel Core i7 11th Gen processors and up to 32GB of RAM.
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU.
  • 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow display with 2400 x 1600 resolution.
  • Unique hinge design for multiple modes of use.

Why It’s Ideal for Video Editing:

The Surface Laptop Studio’s unique hinge design allows for multiple usage modes, providing flexibility for different editing tasks.

Its high-resolution display with a 120Hz refresh rate offers smooth visuals and accurate color representation.

The compact design and decent battery life make it suitable for editors on the move.

7. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5

Key Features:

  • Intel Core i7/i9 12th Gen processors with up to 64GB of RAM.
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU.
  • 16-inch WQUXGA (3840 x 2400) IPS display.
  • Durable build quality with an excellent keyboard.

Why It’s Ideal for Video Editing:

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 offers a rugged design with powerful internals, making it a great choice for professional editors who need reliability and performance.

Its high-resolution display is perfect for detailed editing tasks and color grading.

The robust build quality and great keyboard enhance the overall editing experience.

8. MSI Creator Z16

Key Features:

  • Intel Core i7/i9 11th Gen processors with up to 64GB of RAM.
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060/3070 GPUs.
  • 16-inch QHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
  • Optimized for creative professionals with a high-quality display.

Why It’s Ideal for Video Editing:

The MSI Creator Z16 is designed specifically for creatives, offering a high-resolution display and powerful internals for demanding editing tasks.

Its slim and sleek design makes it a good option for editors who need a portable yet powerful machine.

The laptop’s cooling system ensures sustained performance during intensive workloads.

9. Acer ConceptD 7 Ezel

Key Features:

  • Intel Core i7 11th Gen processors with up to 32GB of RAM.
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060/3070 GPUs.
  • 15.6-inch 4K UHD IPS display.
  • Adjustable display modes for flexible usage.

Why It’s Ideal for Video Editing:

The Acer ConceptD 7 Ezel offers a unique design with adjustable display modes, perfect for artists and editors who need flexibility.

Its 4K display with high color accuracy is ideal for video editing and color grading.

The powerful GPU and CPU combination ensures smooth performance for complex editing tasks.

Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED

Key Features:

  • Intel Core i7/i9 11th Gen processors with up to 64GB of RAM.
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060/3070 GPUs.
  • 15.6-inch 4K OLED display with excellent color reproduction.
  • Slim and portable design.

Why It’s Ideal for Video Editing:

The Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED features a stunning OLED display with deep blacks and vivid colors, making it perfect for video editing and visual content creation.

Its high-performance internals ensure smooth editing and rendering of 4K footage.

The slim design makes it an excellent choice for editors who travel frequently.

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Conclusion

Finding the best laptops for video editing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right knowledge of key features like processing power, GPU performance, RAM, and display quality, you can easily overcome the challenge of choosing a laptop that fits your video editing needs. Whether you’re working on professional projects or creating content for social media, the right laptop can streamline your workflow and enhance your editing experience.

Throughout this article, we’ve explored the essential features that define the best laptops for video editing, including powerful CPUs, dedicated GPUs, sufficient RAM, and high-quality displays. We also reviewed top laptop models like the MacBook Pro, Dell XPS 15, and ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14, alongside budget-friendly options like the Acer Predator Helios 300. Additionally, we discussed software compatibility and upcoming trends that will shape the future of video editing laptops.

Now is the time to evaluate your specific requirements and invest in the best laptop for video editing that suits your creative workflow. Whether you’re upgrading your current setup or just starting out, choosing the right laptop can transform your editing process, helping you achieve professional-quality results more efficiently. Don’t wait—make the decision today and elevate your video editing projects to the next level.

FAQs About The Best Laptops for Video Editing

What should I look for in the best laptops for video editing?
When choosing the best laptops for video editing, key features to consider include a powerful CPU (preferably multi-core), a dedicated GPU for handling rendering tasks, at least 16GB of RAM for smooth multitasking, and an SSD for faster storage access. Additionally, a high-resolution display with good color accuracy is essential for precise editing.

Can I edit 4K videos on a budget laptop?
While budget laptops might struggle with 4K video editing, there are affordable models that can handle it with the right specs. Look for laptops with at least an Intel i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a mid-range dedicated GPU like the NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti. These specs can allow smooth 4K video editing on some of the best budget laptops for video editing.

Is a MacBook Pro better than a Windows laptop for video editing?
The MacBook Pro is considered one of the best laptops for video editing due to its optimized hardware and seamless performance with software like Final Cut Pro. However, Windows laptops like the Dell XPS 15 and ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 are also excellent options, offering powerful hardware and compatibility with popular software like Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve.

How much RAM do I need for video editing?
For basic video editing tasks, 16GB of RAM is sufficient, but for more advanced projects, especially those involving 4K or 8K footage, 32GB or more is recommended. The best laptops for video editing often come with 32GB or expandable RAM options to accommodate the increasing demands of video production.

Do I need a dedicated GPU for video editing?
Yes, a dedicated GPU significantly improves the performance of a laptop when editing videos, especially for tasks like rendering, playback, and applying effects. Laptops with NVIDIA RTX or AMD Radeon GPUs are among the best laptops for video editing as they help speed up these processes, making the workflow smoother.

What’s the difference between SSD and HDD for video editing?
SSDs (Solid State Drives) are much faster than HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), making them essential for video editing. An SSD allows quicker file access, faster boot times, and smoother overall performance, which is why the best laptops for video editing typically feature SSD storage.

Are gaming laptops good for video editing?
Yes, many gaming laptops are also some of the best laptops for video editing due to their powerful processors, high-end GPUs, and fast memory. Laptops like the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 and Acer Predator Helios 300 offer strong video editing capabilities while doubling as great gaming machines.

Can I use a 13-inch laptop for video editing?
While you can edit videos on a 13-inch laptop, a larger screen (15-inch or more) is generally better for video editing because it provides more workspace and reduces eye strain. However, some 13-inch laptops with high-resolution displays and strong hardware, like the MacBook Pro 13-inch, can still be considered among the best laptops for video editing if portability is a priority.

What is the best laptop for video editing on the go?
For video editing on the go, laptops like the MacBook Pro, Dell XPS 15, and HP Spectre x360 stand out due to their combination of performance, lightweight design, and long battery life. These models are considered some of the best laptops for video editing for professionals who need to work remotely.

Do video editing laptops come with enough storage for large projects?
Most video editing laptops come with at least 512GB to 1TB SSDs, which is enough for moderate-sized projects. However, large video files, especially in 4K or higher, can quickly use up storage space. The best laptops for video editing often support external SSDs or additional storage upgrades to accommodate larger projects.

I hope this article helped you to learn about the best laptops for video editing. If you liked it then please subscribe to our newsletter for more updates and the latest blog posts.

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