Computers have vastly revolutionized our lives in various ways including leisure, communication, and work. Whether you edit videos for passion or profession, getting the best laptop for video editing can be the difference between a headache and a seamless editing process.
Despite the advancements in computer technology, using any plain laptop to edit your videos won’t cut it. Video editing is an arduous process that needs specific resources to be done at its best; resources that the average laptop doesn’t have.
This means that you would have to search for the right laptop which matches the specifications for the task. Doing that may seem daunting at first (no-one wants to sift through thousands of laptops online) but we’ve cut your work in half to bring you the best laptops for video editing.
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How To Choose The Best Laptop For Video Editing
Processor
The first thing that definitely needs to be considered is the processor. Besides the graphics card itself, the processor is a major component in video editing. Since it’s the brain of the computer it determines how fast information is handled.
The baseline to aim for is a 6th generation i5 Intel processor that can be either single or dual core but dual is better. For more intense work, steer to the top of the spectrum and choose a device with a 7th generation i7 quad-core processor. Additional cores mean more processing capacity through hyperthreading.
RAM
Our next stop on the checklist is RAM. The RAM in your PC works in tandem with your processor since it allows for programs and files to be worked on simultaneously. The more RAM you have the more you can multitask and for video editing try to get anything between 8GB and 16GB.
Graphics Card
The third thing to note is the graphics card. Some users will at first rely on the integrated graphics card that’s embedded in their motherboard. While it does get the job done, it only does so to a point.
An integrated graphics card does not have the processing power to handle all the intricacies of video editing, namely rendering. As such getting a dedicated graphics card will make for smoother, more impressive work.
Screen Display
The fourth thing to check is the resolution of a display. For you to play and edit videos properly, a color-accurate display with sufficient resolution is required. It makes sense to edit 4K video on a laptop that has a 4K display.
The resolution of 4K, which is 3840 x 2160, is twice the resolution of full HD. Having a 4K display on a laptop will not only give you tons of screen real-estate but also at the highest quality.
With all factors consider let’s look at the best laptops for video editing.
8 Best Laptops For Video Editing
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch
8-Core Processor to Tackle the Most Demanding Tasks
Designed to make the impossible happen, the model is labeled as one of the most powerful products coming from this renowned manufacturer. With so many top-performing components it is a gadget aimed to cater to the needs of ultimate users.
To start with, there’s a 16-inch Retina display along with P3 wide color gamut, which guarantees the most superb visuals you can imagine, from the deepest blacks to the brightest whites. For those who appreciate ground-breaking audio, there are dual canceling woofers and a six-speaker sound system, providing clear and amazing sounds throughout a spectrum of octaves.
With up to 8 cores, and more advanced thermal design, you can say goodbye to common problems, rendering 3D models will become your favorite activity. Plus, it comes with up to 64GB of DDR4 memory, adding more efficiency to multitasking.
As a final touch for the most enjoyable user experience, there’s a Magic Keyboard for better responsivity and more quiet typing. Plus, it comes with fast authentication option, inverted-T arrow keys for more fluid usage as well as the option to transform it rapidly from one mode to another, with Escape keys.
Pros:
- 9th Gen i7
- Cutting-edge display
- Enhanced audio performance
- Lengthy battery life
- Ultra-fast SSD
Cons:
- Hard drive and RAM cannot be upgraded
- Issues with Sleep mode
Asus ZenBook 13
Extended Range of Possibilities with Next-Gen Processor
Equipped with the supreme quality discrete graphics chip, this device is here to help you make your visions become reality. Featuring ErgoLift hinge, it allows you to adjust the device for the optimum position the way it suits you the best.
Done to satisfy the most sophisticated clients, it comes with full HD 4-way NanoEdge bezel Display, making any creative project look even better. Cooperating with several third-party developers, the manufacturer adds more value to productivity – Corel, a specialist for video editing is just one of the partners!
With an intelligent touchpad, the range of possibilities enhances significantly. It comes with multiple options such as Mode Switch, App Navigator, Quick Key, Handwriting, and several more. This way the traditional laptop experience comes in a redefined edition – for a higher level of quality user-experience.
Entering a new era of the convenient design, this model is ultraportable, and extremely compact, allowing it to have it by your side wherever you go. Speaking of, it comes with an entire palette of connectivity options, allowing you to pair up your gadget with anything. There are USB slots (C and 3.1 Type A), as well as HDMI slot and microSD card reader.
Pros:
- 10th Gen i7
- 4-way NanoEdge bezel
- Incorporated IR camera
- Backlit keyboard
- Multiple connectivity options
Cons:
- Occasional issues with the trackpad
- Gets too warm sometimes
MSI GS66 Stealth
The True Power of Supreme Quality Processor
Packed with truly powerful components, this gadget is made to make multitasking simpler, but also to provide you with ultimate gaming experience when taking a break from work. With the increased number of cores and higher clocks, it works faster than ever, with up to 59% more speed.
Speaking of, the high level of speed is also to thank the excellent refresh rate of up to 300Hz. This way one is delivered smoother and crisper visuals. It seems that mighty AI-enhanced graphics are doing the perfect job ensuring more.
Being utterly flexible, it comes with several boosting options, allowing you to store as much content as you want. There are memory slots as well as expandable SSD. In addition to this, there’s Cooler Boost Trinity +, which bolsters 7 pipes and 3 fans, keeping the device cool even when involved in some demanding projects.
Having black metal chassis, you can be sure that this is a durable product, so it can follow you on your daily adventures. Also, you can charge it through Thunderbolt 3, and extend its functionality if you have some projects on the go to complete.
Pros:
- 10th Gen i9
- 8 cores
- GeForce RTX Super
- 300Hz refresh rate
- FHD display with thin bezels
Cons:
- Led bleed at the edges noticeable when watching something with black background
Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop
Richer Sound for Unparalleled User Experience
Allowing you to organize well and achieve maximum productivity, it comes with highlighted keys (WASD and arrow). Thanks to the NitroSense key, and red-backlit keyboard, the gadget not only provides you with a high level of functionality but more pleasant working tools as well.
If you are a fan of deep and rich audio, have no worries, they are also part of the package, all thanks to Waves MaxxAudio and Acer TrueHarmony. Combined together, they deliver bombastic sound and add more value to the overall user experience.
We all know how demanding it can be for a device to tackle some demanding project, and as a result – it becomes hotter. Not this one, as it comes with special cooling technology which knows how to maintain “coolness under fire”.
With the diversity of connectivity options, be sure that the limits are erased. It comes with one USB 3.1 Type C Gen 1 slot (up to 5 Gbps), as well as one USB 2.0 and a duet of USB 3.1 Gen 1 slots (One with Power-off Charging). The list doesn’t end here – there’s also one HDMI 2.0 with HDCP support.
Pros:
- 9th Gen i7
- Backlit Keyboard
- Waves MaxxAudio
- Acer CoolBoost technology
Cons:
- It gets too hot and loud from time to time
Microsoft Surface Book 3
Reveal the True Meaning of Power with 10th Gen Processor
No matter what’s on your mind, be sure that this device, as your faithful associate, will help you fulfill it efficiently. Having the ability to switch forms, and serve as both laptop and tablet, it allows you to surf the web, edit larger video files or whatever else.
Plus, you can use it in studio mode and find the angle that suits you perfectly.
It is packed with a multitude of connectivity slots and ports that may be of use, including USB-A, USB-C, along with a full-size SD card port. Moreover, when fully charged and during mixed use, it can deliver more than 15 hours of battery life, so you can have something finished while out and about.
Those among you passionate about quality sound will be glad to hear that this one features enhanced dual far-field Studio Mics, and one more key element for additionally immersive audio- Dolby Atmos. Also, it hosts NVIDIA® graphics, guaranteeing supreme visuals as well. On top of that, there’s high-res PixelSense™ Display, allowing you to either use it with a stylus or as a touchscreen.
Finally, there’s Windows 10 Home as the operating system, enabling you to perform tasks in a user-friendly and familiar environment.
Pros:
- 10th Gen i7
- NVIDIA GTX GeForce GPU
- Convertible and flexible
- Reliable and long battery life
- Multiple connectivity options
Cons:
- Issues with Microsoft updates
HP ZBOOK STUDIO
Experience Ultimate and Beyond Imaginable Brightness
Finding the way to make the impossible happen, the manufacturer delivered a cutting-edge product which is not only smaller but more efficient than the majority on the market.
Video editing will become even more pleasant with 4K UHD display which hosts no less than 60 nits of brightness. That’s what earned this model a reputation of the world’s brightest one. Moreover, it comes with 100% Adobe RGB and up to an impressive palette of 1 billion colors, so you can set every detail up to the utmost perfection.
Thanks to ultra-fast processing power, and NVIDIA Quadro 3D graphics, you will be able to edit and render even while on the move. So, take your work with you anywhere you go, as it can deliver max productivity and up to 19 hours of battery life.
Adapting smoothly to your working environment, it comes with reduced glare and ambient light sensors. Thanks to this, it recognizes the light setting from your surroundings and adapts immediately to equip you with a more enjoyable working space.
Moreover, security is taken to another level, as the hard drive creates auto backups. Plus, it comes with an integrated privacy screen which is activated easily when you are in busier places, and it features HP Sure Click to protect your device from various threats.
Pros:
- Brighter than models done by top-competitors
- Anti-glare display
- Bang & Olufsen-powered audio
- Multiple connectivity options
- Up to 19 hours of battery life
Cons:
- Some editions or versions of Windows cannot support the entire range of features
DELL XPS 15 9500
Infinite Range of Possibilities with Improved Components
Striving to deliver ultimate visuals, the model comes with several enhanced elements- to bring more value to users, even the most demanding ones. Thanks to Dolby Vision and Eyesafe display, one can enjoy the rich spectrum of the most vibrant and vivid colors. Plus, it’s enhanced with anti-reflective coating, delivering a significantly reduced amount of annoying glare.
Reinforced with breakthrough graphics, along with next-gen processor with 8 cores, be sure that the performance is boosted substantially. Multitasking becomes the easiest thing on the list of your duties, as this gadget adapts easily to tackle the required workload.
Don’t worry about overheating, as it comes with advanced thermal design, with dual fans and heat pipes for better ventilation. And the “infinite” is present in the improved storage options, as this gadget comes with plenty of space for your content- images, tracks, and whatnot.
Making sure you have all the connections you need, there are multiple Thunderbolt 3 slots. Whichever accessory you need, speakers, monitors and or any other- feel free to attach and use them wherever you want. Moreover, it can be paired up with multiple devices via Dell Mobile Connect.
Pros:
- 10th gen i7
- Multiple connectivity options
- Redefined InfinityEdge display
- Scratch resistance
- Waves Nx® 3D Audio
Cons:
- The fan turns even when the CPU temp is below 60, and it’s too noisy
Razer Blade 15 Base Gaming Laptop
Supercharged Graphics for Cutting-Edge Visuals
With its powerful processor and reinforced graphics, this device is capable of handling the most difficult tasks. Packed with FHD matte display and up to 100% sRGB support, you will be treated with the finest and juiciest colors you can imagine.
More possibilities are given in connectivity options as well, bringing you a device that comes with USD type A and C slots, as well as HDMI. Moreover, it has WI-Fi 6 along with Gigabit Ethernet, and Thunderbolt 3, allowing you to connect your gadget with virtually anything and increase your productivity additionally.
The memory will no longer be an issue if you are dealing with larger and more demanding files and projects, as it comes with an easy SSD upgrade. Plus, it has expandable 16GB dual-channel memory, allowing you to complete your missions smoothly and with no hassle at all. Or take a break and enjoy your favorite game, if you want.
Making sure it won’t let you down even when completing tasks on most unusual locations, it comes with anodized CNC unibody. Say goodbye to minor scratches while out and about, durability is the middle name of this model.
Pros:
- 10th Gen i7
- Enhanced connectivity options
- Full HD, thin bezel
- Durable and compact
Cons:
- Occasional issues with touchpad (random clicks)
Conclusion
As a professional, choosing the right laptop for video editing is paramount to your work. To make sure that you produce the best content you can, you need to have the best laptop for video editing. There are countless choices out there but this list should help narrow down the best of the best.