Best Laptop for Video Editing

Looking for the best laptop for video editing that delivers smooth, powerful performance for your creative projects? We know unreliable devices can slow you down and crush your inspiration. Our expert guide reviews top workstation laptops designed to boost productivity and enhance video quality. Experience efficient performance and unmatched reliability that will transform your editing process. Read on to discover the perfect blend of speed, power, and value for your video editing needs.

Top 5 Laptop for Video Editing:

1. Apple MacBook Pro M3 Max – Best Laptop for Video Editing Overall

 

 

The incredible Apple MacBook Pro M3 Max is the best video editing laptop you can buy, with lightning-fast performance and a gorgeous display, all wrapped in a slick, portable aluminum body. If you’re a video editor or creative professional, you know how prevalent MacBook Pros are in the creative community. Much like the new M3 models, especially the M3 Max CPU, now you can channel the novelty and energy into both work and play.

Record-breaking speed and glorious visuals blend together—or more accurately, they interweave most beautifully—to identify the 14-inch MacBook Pro M3 Max as an almighty gaming rig and a ruthlessly robust editer. In testing, you will find chopping through the 4K 30fps and 4K 24fps ProRes HDR content we’ve got in Final Cut Pro to be completely untaxing — smooth and responsive. And you’ll appreciate having a 3.5mm audio jack as well, which should make it a boon to anyone interested in creating video content.

Its classic Apple design with a solid construction makes it not just beautiful but also visually appealing from all angles. We love the 14-inch model for its blend of power and portability, but there’s also a larger 16-inch version if you want more screen real estate for your projects. Remember that the device has a few drawbacks, too, like noisy fans under heavy workloads and its premium price tag. However, similar to most Apple devices, when you spend on the MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Max, you do so knowing that you’re also investing in your creative future. This laptop is a game changer if you’re serious about video editing.

 

2. Gigabyte Aero 16 OLED – Best 16-Inches Laptop for Video Editing

 

 

Here it is: The Gigabyte Aero 16 OLED, making the rounds in our office as the first laptop in the world to sport Nvidia’s monster GeForce RTX 4070 mobile graphics chip. Pair that with an Intel 13th Gen Core i9-13900H processor, 32GB of RAM, and a generous 1TB solid-state drive and this is the tool-made-for-you content creators expect. Not only does this laptop excel at creative tasks, it also brings some great gaming capabilities to the table.

The Aero 16 gives many ultra-high-end creator laptops a run for their money in our benchmarking tests. It features a gorgeous 16:10 4K OLED panel that gives you great clarity and contrast so that any creative work you do really pops out. When it comes to video editing or graphic design, the visual experience is nothing less than exceptional.

You’ll also love the nice touches like a comfortable keyboard for long hours of productivity and a MicroSD card reader that has been rare as birds lately, making it even more convenient for you. The Aero 16 probably won’t be hitting frame rates in the extremes like you might find on some dedicated gaming laptops, but it excels on tasks designed for creators.

If you’re looking for a premium and capable laptop to keep up with your creative needs that can double as a gaming rig on the side, the Aero 16 OLED is well worth your consideration. It’s an investment that may upgrade both your work and play.

 

3. MacBook Air M1 – Best Video Editing Laptop for Beginners

 

 

If you’re new to the world of video editing, the MacBook Air M1 is an ideal option, even a few years after its launch. It lacks the raw power of Apple’s newer M2 models, but its price point makes it an attractive entry-level choice.

We discovered that it performed so closely in our tests to the MacBook Pro M1 — another great option for video editing — that they were hard to tell apart. Apple says the MacBook Air M1 can handle 4K video editing, but we pushed it past its limits to edit 8K videos with Final Cut Pro—and the results were impressive. You will love the beautiful 2560×1600 resolution screen with True Tone tech that changes according to your surrounding for a better viewing environment. The 400 nits brightness peak isn’t the very highest, but you don’t need it for starting out in video editing, and 100% DCI-P3 color coverage means it’s got vibrant, accurate colors.

The MacBook Air M1 is also fantastic on battery life and completely quiet, leaving it a great fit for hours of editing. Its passive design may cause you to be concerned with heat during heavier use, but in general it performs well under load.

In short, the MacBook Air M1 is great for growing video editors and is hands-down the entry-level laptop that strikes the perfect ratio of pricing vs. performance and high-quality display.

 

4. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 – Best Laptop for Video Editing with a Pull-Forward Screen

 

 

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 pushes the limits of your computing experience with next-gen tech and a one-of-a-kind, pull-forward touchscreen design geared for creativity and productivity. This convertible 2-in-1 device works well as a portable laptop for when you need some power on the go, but can also become a desktop replacement when you’re stationary.

Internally, you will have the capable Intel Core i7-13700H CPU, which means challenging jobs can be conquered without sweating. The 64 GB of RAM and 1 TB SSD provides all the speed, and storage you would need to grab onto for anything from heavy multitasking to file handling, making this laptop a treat for both professionals and enthusiasts.

With a native resolution of 2400 by 1600, the gorgeous 14.4-inch IPS display provides a beautiful touch interface. Every swipe and scroll is smoother thanks to a 120 Hz screen refresh rate, improving the overall experience, whether you’re working on graphics-pushing tasks or using it for entertainment.

Trust the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU with dedicated 8 GB of graphics memory to tackle your most challenging creative projects, games or professional apps. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 are on board for fast wireless performance.

Half the weight of the surface studio, at just 4.18 lbs, and a thin form factor. In addition, with supercharged battery life at over 15 hours, you’ll never have to stop working, creating or playing. Get this flexible productivity beast that is the laptops of the future.

 

5. MacBook Air M2 – Best Budget Laptop for Video Editing

 

 

But if you’re an aspiring content creator on a budget, the MacBook Air M2 provides an alluring chance to take your game to the next level without financial strain. With the efficient M2 processor, along with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, this laptop offers a great performance to price ratio.

The lightweight software is great for creators on the go, so you can handle simple editing tasks on the fly, whether you could be at a café or on a train. With the M2 chip, getting fast rendering times — which are so important to finishing projects on deadline. And with all-day battery life, you’ve got the power you need to work uninterrupted, so you can let your creativity flow.

The newer M3 Air has hit the market, but with the discounts available on the M2 model, you can get a more budget-friendly option that still meets your needs. This low price point doesn’t come at the expense of power, either — the MacBook Air M2 is capable of managing multiple media projects, making it the best starting point for creatives who are serious about creating content.

Opting for the MacBook Air M2 means embracing a steadfast companion that evolves with your artistic aspirations. Its combination of performance, portability, and price point make it a savvy option for those looking to create high-quality work without breaking the bank. Take advantage of this opportunity to take your content creation to the next level with a machine built for your evolution as a creator.

 

Things to Consider Before Buying a Laptop for Video Editing:

Over the years, finding the right laptop for video editing has become increasingly important, especially as technology continues to evolve. It’s important to choose a device that meets your specific needs, ensuring smooth performance and efficiency. Before making your purchase, consider aspects such as processing power, RAM, storage, and graphics capabilities. By keeping these factors in mind, you can make an informed decision that supports your creative projects and enhances your editing experience.

Gaming Laptops

While gaming laptops are primarily designed for performance in gaming, they often excel in video editing. With powerful CPUs and dedicated GPUs, these machines can handle demanding software and render videos quickly, making them a solid choice for editors who also enjoy gaming.

Ultrabooks

For those who prioritize portability and battery life, ultrabooks are an excellent option for video editing on the go. These sleek machines typically offer a good balance of power and efficiency, allowing you to perform basic edits without being weighed down.

Understanding the benefits of ultrabooks can help you decide if this type suits your workflow. They usually feature solid-state drives (SSDs) for fast boot times and quick access to files, but keep in mind that their processing power may not match that of more robust options.

Workstation Laptops

Video editing can be resource-intensive, and workstation laptops are built to handle these tasks with ease. These machines offer high-end processors, significant RAM, and professional-grade graphics cards, providing a seamless editing experience even for complex projects.

Ultrabooks may not be sufficient for high-demand software like Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve. Workstation laptops, on the other hand, provide the required horsepower for smooth functionality and advanced features, ensuring your workflow remains uninterrupted during demanding edits.

Graphics Card Quality

Now, a robust graphics card is paramount for video editing, particularly when working with high-resolution footage. It accelerates rendering times and allows for real-time playback, which will significantly impact your workflow.

Plus, a dedicated GPU not only improves rendering speed but also supports advanced features like GPU acceleration in professional video editing software. This results in smoother transitions, effects, and playback, making your editing process more efficient and enjoyable.

RAM and Storage

An ample amount of RAM is vital for fluid multitasking while editing videos. The more RAM you have, the better your laptop can manage multiple applications without lag.

For instance, opting for at least 16GB of RAM will allow you to work seamlessly with large files and complex projects. Additionally, combine this with SSD storage for quicker load times and faster access to your media files. Together, they form a solid foundation for a robust video editing setup.

Evaluate Your Editing Needs

Some aspects of video editing, such as resolution and complexity, influence the specifications required for your laptop. If you plan to work with high-resolution videos or complex effects, prioritize performance. Think about the software you’ll use; different programs have varying hardware requirements that can significantly impact your workflow!

Set a Budget

Needs you to establish a realistic budget that reflects the performance you require without compromising quality. Investing in a better laptop initially can save you money in the long run by ensuring a smoother editing experience.

Your focus should be on balancing performance with your budget. While high-end laptops can be tempting, consider whether the additional features truly enhance your editing process. Create a list of vitals and avoid overspending on unnecessary extras. This strategic approach will help you find the most effective laptop for your video editing needs.

Check for Portability

The weight and size of the laptop matter significantly if you need to edit on the go or travel frequently. A lightweight and slim model will make it easier to carry around while still providing the necessary performance.

Budget for a laptop that combines optimal performance with portability. If your editing sessions often take place away from home, you should prioritize finding a device that fits comfortably in your bag yet does not compromise on processing power. A good balance of size and capability is vital for your mobility without sacrificing performance.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when choosing a laptop for video editing, you should assess your specific needs, including processing power, graphics capabilities, RAM, and storage options. Consider the software you’ll be using and whether the laptop’s specifications can handle it efficiently. Additionally, pay attention to the display quality for accurate color representation, as well as portability if you plan to work on the go. By carefully evaluating these factors, you’ll ensure that you select a laptop that enhances your video editing experience.