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Video editing requires a high-performance laptop with a powerful processor, sufficient RAM, and a dedicated graphics card. The right laptop can help you create professional-quality videos that stand out from the rest. In this article we will explore the best laptops for video editing in 2023.
When it comes to video editing laptops, there are several key features to consider. These include the processor, RAM, graphics card, display quality, and color accuracy. In addition, you should consider the operating system, portability vs. performance, battery life, and connectivity options. With so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the right video editing laptop for your needs.
5 Best Laptops for Video Editing : A Quicklist
We’ve rounded up the 5 best laptops for video editing that offer excellent performance, high-quality displays, and reliable battery life. Whether you’re on a tight budget or looking for a top-of-the-line machine, we’ve got you covered. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the list so that you can make an informed decision and choose the best laptop for your video editing needs.
- Macbook Pro 16
- Dell XPS 17
- MSI Creator M16
- ASUS ROG Zephyrus S17
- Asus Zenbook Pro Duo 15
Additionally have also listed 3 budget friendly video editing laptops which you can find by scrolling below to the budget friendly section.
Do I need a high-end laptop for video editing?
Video editing is a demanding task that requires a lot of processing power, memory, storage, and graphics performance. A high-end laptop can offer these features and make your video editing workflow smoother and faster.
However, a high-end laptop is not absolutely necessary for video editing, as long as you are willing to compromise on some aspects, such as resolution, rendering speed, and battery life. You can still edit videos on a lower-end laptop, but you may experience some lag, stuttering, or crashing, especially if you are working with large or complex files.
To help you decide whether you need a high-end laptop for video editing, here are some factors to consider:
- Resolution: The higher the resolution of your video, the more demanding it is to edit. For example, editing a 4K video requires more power than editing a 1080p video.
- Rendering speed: Rendering is the process of converting your edited video into a final output file. If you are working on tight deadlines or need to render multiple videos in a short time, you may want a high-end laptop for video editing. However, if you are not in a hurry or only need to render a few videos occasionally, you may be able to use a lower-end laptop for video editing.
- Battery life: Video editing is a power-hungry task that can drain your laptop’s battery quickly. A high-end laptop with a large battery capacity and an efficient cooling system can last longer and perform better than a lower-end laptop with a small battery capacity and a poor cooling system.
To sum it up, a high-end laptop can offer many advantages for video editing, such as better resolution, faster rendering speed, and longer battery life. However, a high-end laptop is not a must-have for video editing, as long as you are willing to compromise on some aspects, such as resolution, rendering speed, and battery life.
Top Video Editing Laptops of 2023
When it comes to video editing, having a powerful laptop is essential. The following are some of the best laptops for video editing in 2023 (You have already seen the list above), based on expert reviews and user feedback.
#1 – Macbook Pro 16 (M1 Pro)
The Macbook Pro 16 M1 Pro is one of the best laptop for video editing and tops the list of many video editors and music producers. The laptop is equipped with the M1 pro chip, which has a 10-core CPU and a 16-core GPU. It can handle any video production task with ease and efficiency.
The chip is designed to handle intensive tasks, such as 4K or 8K video editing, 3D animation, color grading, and special effects. The chip also supports hardware acceleration for popular video codecs, such as ProRes and H.265, which can speed up the workflow and reduce the file size.
The laptop can edit, render, and stream videos in high quality and speed, without compromising the battery life or performance.
PROS
- Powerful M1 Pro Chip can handle intense video production tasks with ease
- Liquid Retina XDR display offers high resolution, brightness, contrast, and color accuracy.
- Superb Day Long Battery Life (upto 21 Hrs)
- Variety of ports, such as HDMI 2.0, Thunderbolt 4, SDXC, and 3.5mm headphone jack
CONS
- A bit heavy at 2.1 kg(4.7 lbs)
- heavier on the pocket(expensive)
Overall the Apple M1 pro 16 inch macbook is a powerful and versatile laptop that can handle any video production task with ease. Whether you are editing, rendering, or streaming, this laptop can deliver stunning performance and quality.
CHECK PRICE#2 – Dell XPS 17
The Dell XPS 17 is one of the best large screen laptops for video editing. It has a 17-inch 4k Touchscreen Display and is powered by a 12th-generation Intel Core i9 14 core processor. It also has an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6GB graphics card, which makes it great for handling graphics-intensive tasks like video editing, photo editing etc.
The plus point is the enormous amount of RAM (32 GB) and an impressive 1 TB SSD which will enable you to handle heavy video production tasks with ease.
PROS
- powerful 12th gen intel 14 core i7 processor
- Great Battery life (upto 12 hrs) for this laptop size
- Superb Day Long Battery Life (upto 21 Hrs)
- Thin and Slim Design / Looks
CONS
- Limited Ports
- heavier on the pocket(expensive)
The Dell XPS 15 9720 is a desktop replacement laptop that combines portability, performance, and a great battery life. It is powered by the latest Intel 12th Gen processors and Nvidia GeForce RTX graphics, making it a great choice for video production as well as gaming.
CHECK PRICE#3 – MSI Creator M16
The MSI Creator M16 is a content creation laptop as branded by MSI. That being said, the 2023 version of M16 has pretty impressive specs given the price. It is a great value for money laptop for video editing.
Under the hood, it comes with the latest 13th gen intel core 77 13620H which is a 10 core and extremely fast and snappy. Combined with a Dedicated Nvidia RTX 4060 and an 32 GB DDR 5 RAM, you will not feel the slowness in video editing and other demanding tasks.
The included 2 TB SSD is good to tackle your storage needs although with video production no amount of storage is good enough but 2TB will defintely make you happier.
PROS
- Superb performance with 13th Gen intel i7
- 32GB + 2TB SSD along with Nvidia RTX 4060 is a steal at this price
- variety of port selection
- 180 degrees lay flat screen
CONS
- Laptop is heavy at more than 5 lbs
- battery life is not so good
Overall the MSI Creator M16 is powerful enough to handle all of the content creation tasks that you throw at it. Combined with the superb pricing , it is one the best value for money laptop for video editing and gaming as well.
CHECK PRICE#4 – Asus ROG Zephyrus S17
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus S17 is a powerful gaming laptop that is also great for video editing. It has a 17.3-inch 4K display and is powered by an Intel Core i9 processor. It also has an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card, which makes it great for handling high-resolution video and even extreme gaming.
The Zephyrus S17 comes with 32GB of RAM and up to 3TB of SSD storage. Additionally the UHD 4k display is Pantone Validated meaning accurate representation of colors.
PROS
- Solid Thermals and noise levels
- Great battery life for this configuration
- comfortable and per Key RGB mechanical keyboard
- Extreme performance with the CPU/GPU Combo
CONS
- at 5.71 lbs it is heavy to carry
- pricier as well
Alternate Option: Razer Blade 15
CHECK PRICE#5 – ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 UX582
The Asus Zenbook Pro Duo is a great and stylish laptop for creatives which was also featured in our list of best music production laptops.
Under the Hood the Laptop sports a Core i9 12900H which comes with 14 cores. Combined with a 32 GB RAM and a RTX 3070 Ti GPU, the laptop is blazingly fast and is able to handle video production tasks without breaking a sweat.
PROS
- The 15.6-inch OLED 4K touchscreen is Pantone Validated, VESA CERTIFIED Display HDR True Black 500, and delivers stunning visuals with accurate colors and deep blacks.
- ScreenPad Plus is a game-changer for multitasking
- Intel Core i9 and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti GPU make it a powerhouse for music production and other demanding tasks.
CONS
- Average Battery Life
- Quite Expensive
Budget-Friendly Picks
Not everyone has the budget to spend thousands of dollars on a high-end machine. Luckily, there are some great options available that won’t break the bank. Here are 3 best bedget friendly laptops for video editing:
#6 – Lenovo Idea Pad 5
One of the best budget-friendly picks for video editing is the Lenovo IdeaPad 5. This laptop features an AMD Ryzen 7 5825U processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. It also has a 15.6-inch Full HD display, making it great for editing videos. The IdeaPad 5 is priced at around $800, making it a great option for those on a tight budget.
CHECK PRICE#7- Acer Aspire 5
Another great option is the Acer Aspire 5. This laptop comes with Intel as well as AMD Processors. The one on our list features an AMD Ryzen 5 3350U Quad Core processor, 20GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. It also has a 15.6-inch Full HD display, making it great for video editing. The Aspire 5 is priced at around $500, making it a very affordable option.
CHECK PRICE#8 – Macbook Air M1
For those who prefer a Mac, the MacBook Air M1 is a great budget-friendly option. This laptop features an Apple M1 chip, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. It also has a 13.3-inch Retina display, making it great for video editing. The MacBook Air M1 is priced at around $800, making it more expensive than the other options on this list, but still a great budget-friendly option for those who prefer a Mac.
CHECK PRICEBuying Guide : Best Laptops for Video Editing
Key Features for Video Editing Laptops
When it comes to video editing, having a powerful laptop is essential to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow. In this section, we will discuss the key features that are necessary for a laptop to be suitable for video editing.
Processor Power
The processor is the brain of the laptop and plays a crucial role in video editing. A high-end processor can handle complex video editing tasks with ease, while a low-end processor may struggle to keep up. Intel Core i7 or i9 processors are recommended for video editing laptops as they offer high clock speeds and multiple cores that can handle heavy workloads.
RAM Requirements
RAM, or Random Access Memory, is another critical component for video editing laptops. The more RAM a laptop has, the more data it can process at once, which can significantly improve performance. At a minimum, a video editing laptop should have 16GB of RAM, but 32GB or more is recommended for professional-grade video editing.
Storage
Video files can take up a lot of storage space, so having enough storage is essential for video editing laptops. Solid State Drives (SSDs) are recommended for video editing laptops as they offer faster read and write speeds than traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). A minimum of 512GB of storage is recommended, but 1TB or more is ideal for storing large video files and project files.
Graphics Capabilities
Video editing requires a powerful graphics card to handle the rendering process. A dedicated graphics card with at least 4GB of VRAM is recommended for video editing laptops. Nvidia’s GeForce GTX or RTX series and AMD’s Radeon RX series are some of the popular graphics cards used in video editing laptops.
Operating System Considerations
The choice of operating system depends on the user’s needs and preferences. Windows, MacOS and Linux are the most popular available options. Lets have a look:
Windows vs. MacOS for Video Editing
The two most popular operating systems for video editing are Windows and MacOS. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice ultimately depends on the user’s preference.
Windows is a popular choice for video editors due to its versatility and compatibility with a wide range of software. Windows laptops are more affordable than Macs , making it an attractive option for those on a budget. However, Windows can be prone to crashes and errors, which can be frustrating for video editors who need to work quickly and efficiently.
On the other hand, MacOS is known for its stability and reliability, making it a popular choice for professional video editors. It also has a user-friendly interface and is optimized for creative applications like video editing. However, MacOS is more expensive than Windows, and not all software is compatible with it.
Linux for Video Editing
Linux is not a popular choice for video editing, but it is a viable option for those who prefer open-source software. There are several video editing software options available for Linux, including Kdenlive and OpenShot. Linux is also known for its stability and security, making it a good choice for those who prioritize these features.
However, Linux is not as user-friendly as Windows or MacOS, and it can be difficult to find support for certain software or hardware. Additionally, video editing software for Linux may not have all the features and capabilities of software for Windows or MacOS.
Display Quality and Color Accuracy
When it comes to video editing, a laptop’s display quality and color accuracy are critical factors to consider. A laptop with a high-quality display and accurate color reproduction will help you achieve the best results in your video editing projects.
One of the essential features to look for in a display is its resolution. A high-resolution display will provide you with more screen real estate, making it easier to work with multiple windows and panels simultaneously. The most common resolutions for video editing laptops are 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. A 4K display will offer the most significant amount of detail, but it may also require more processing power and battery life.
Another crucial factor to consider is color accuracy. Your laptop’s display should be able to reproduce colors accurately, so you can make informed decisions about color grading and correction. Look for a laptop with a display that covers a wide color gamut, such as Adobe RGB or DCI-P3. A high color gamut coverage means that the display can reproduce more colors, resulting in more accurate and vibrant images.
Some laptops also come with features such as Pantone validation or X-Rite calibration, which ensure that the display’s colors are accurate and consistent. These features are especially important if you need to work on projects that require precise color reproduction.
Portability vs. Performance
When it comes to video editing, having a laptop with a long battery life is essential. Editing videos can be a time-consuming process, and you don’t want to be tethered to an outlet the whole time. Additionally, a laptop with good power management features can help you get the most out of your battery life.
When it comes to power management, Windows laptops have an advantage over MacBooks. Windows laptops have more options for power management, which allows you to customize your settings to get the most out of your battery life. MacBooks, on the other hand, have a more streamlined power management system that is easier to use but less customizable.
Connectivity Options
Having a laptop with a variety of connectivity options is essential for transferring files, connecting to external displays, and accessing peripherals. In this section, we will discuss the various connectivity options that should be considered when choosing the best laptop for video editing.
Ports and Interfaces
One of the most important connectivity features to consider is the number and type of ports and interfaces available on the laptop. Video editing requires a lot of data transfer, so having fast and reliable ports is crucial. Some of the most common ports and interfaces that should be considered are:
- USB-C/Thunderbolt 4: These ports are becoming more and more common on laptops and offer fast data transfer speeds and the ability to connect to external displays.
- HDMI: This port is essential for connecting to external displays and projectors.
- SD Card Reader: This feature is important for transferring files from cameras and other devices.
- Ethernet: For those who need a wired internet connection, having an Ethernet port is a must.
Wireless Connectivity
In addition to ports and interfaces, having strong wireless connectivity is also important for video editing. This allows for fast file transfer and the ability to work remotely. Some of the most important wireless connectivity features to consider are:
- Wi-Fi 6: This is the latest and fastest Wi-Fi standard that provides faster speeds and more reliable connections.
- Bluetooth: This feature is important for connecting to peripherals such as keyboards and mice.
- 4G/5G: For those who need to work remotely or on location, having a laptop with built-in cellular connectivity can be a game-changer.
It’s important to consider both the number and type of ports and interfaces, as well as the strength of wireless connectivity. By considering these factors, users can ensure that they have the necessary tools to work efficiently and effectively.
Laptop Accessories for Video Editors
Video editing requires a lot of storage space, color accuracy, and proper cooling to avoid overheating and crashes. While a powerful laptop is a must-have, there are some essential accessories that can enhance the video editing experience. Here are some of the most useful accessories for video editors:
External Storage
Video files can take up a lot of space, and it’s essential to have enough storage to store all your projects. External hard drives and solid-state drives (SSDs) are great options for expanding your laptop’s storage capacity. They are portable, easy to use, and offer fast transfer speeds.
Some of the best external hard drives for video editing include the Seagate Backup Plus Portable, Western Digital My Passport, and LaCie Rugged.
For SSDs, the Samsung T5, SanDisk Extreme Pro, and Crucial X8 are excellent choices.
Color Calibration Tools
Color accuracy is crucial for video editing, and a color calibration tool can help ensure that your laptop’s display shows accurate colors. These tools can adjust the color temperature, gamma, and brightness of your display to match industry-standard color profiles.
The Datacolor SpyderX Pro, X-Rite i1Display Pro, and Pantone ColorMunki are some of the best color calibration tools for video editing. They are easy to use, accurate, and can help you achieve consistent color across multiple displays.
Cooling Pads
Video editing can put a lot of strain on your laptop’s CPU and GPU, which can cause it to overheat and slow down. A cooling pad can help dissipate heat and keep your laptop running smoothly.
The Cooler Master Notepal X3, Havit HV-F2056, and Kootek Laptop Cooling Pad are some of the best cooling pads for video editing. They are affordable, portable, and offer excellent cooling performance.
In conclusion, these accessories can help enhance the video editing experience and make it more efficient. They can help you store your projects, achieve accurate colors, and keep your laptop cool and running smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which laptops are recommended for editing 4K videos cost-effectively?
Editing 4K videos requires a powerful laptop with a high-resolution display, fast processor, and dedicated graphics card. The ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo, Dell XPS 17, and MacBook Pro are some of the best laptops for editing 4K videos cost-effectively. These laptops come with powerful processors, high-resolution displays, and dedicated graphics cards, making them ideal for handling 4K video editing tasks.
What are the preferred laptops for YouTube content creators?
YouTube content creators require laptops that can handle video editing, streaming, and uploading tasks. The MacBook Pro, ASUS ROG Zephyrus S17, and Razer Blade 15 are some of the preferred laptops for YouTube content creators. These laptops come with powerful processors, high-resolution displays, and dedicated graphics cards, making them ideal for handling video editing and streaming tasks.
What are the best laptops for both photo and video editing tasks?
Laptops that are ideal for both photo and video editing tasks require powerful processors, high-resolution displays, and ample storage. The Dell XPS 17, MacBook Pro, and ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo are some of the best laptops for photo and video editing tasks. These laptops come with powerful processors, high-resolution displays, and dedicated graphics cards, making them ideal for handling both photo and video editing tasks.
Which laptops are ideal for handling video editing and animation simultaneously?
Video editing and animation tasks require a laptop with a powerful processor, dedicated graphics card, and ample storage. The ASUS ROG Zephyrus S17, Razer Blade 15, and MacBook Pro are some of the ideal laptops for handling video editing and animation tasks simultaneously. These laptops come with powerful processors, dedicated graphics cards, and ample storage, making them ideal for handling both video editing and animation tasks.