Wondering which are the best laptops for video editing today? Read on to find out!
Whether you’re editing YouTube content, short films, or corporate video, your laptop isn’t just a tool—it’s your editing bay, production studio, and creative partner. This guide cuts through the fluff and helps you choose a laptop that can actually keep up.
We break down the best laptops for different needs, from pro-level rigs to budget-friendly workhorses. Let’s get into it.
What Makes a Laptop Great for Video Editing?
- CPU (Processor): Intel i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 7/9 for heavy timelines and effects.
- GPU (Graphics Card): Dedicated NVIDIA RTX 40-series or AMD Radeon for smooth playback and fast renders.
- RAM: Minimum 16GB; 32GB recommended for 4K workflows.
- Storage: SSDs preferred; 1TB+ ideal for local footage.
- Display: 1080p minimum; look for 100% sRGB or better for accurate color.
- Battery & Portability: If you edit on the move, these matter too.
Best High-Performance Laptops for Video Editing
1. Apple MacBook Pro 16” (M3 Max)
Best for professional workflows & Final Cut Pro users
- M3 Max chip delivers elite editing performance
- 16.2″ Liquid Retina XDR display with exceptional color accuracy
- Perfect for editors working with 4K/8K timelines and HDR footage
2. Dell XPS 15 (2024)
- Intel Core i9 + RTX 4070 combo handles all major editing platforms
- 15.6” OLED 4K display is both vibrant and precise
- Sleek build with great thermal performance
3. ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14
- Ryzen 9 7940HS + RTX 4060 = excellent power for size
- QHD+ 165Hz screen is fast and sharp
- Great choice for gaming editors or mobile creators
Best Budget Laptops for Video Editing (Under $1,000)
1. Acer Swift X
- Ryzen 7 5800U + RTX 3050 Ti delivers great value
- Lightweight and capable of Full HD/4K basic editing
2. ASUS VivoBook Pro 15
- Beautiful OLED Full HD display improves visual accuracy
- Great entry point for content creators with a mid-range GPU
3. Dell Inspiron 16 Plus
- Intel i7, 1TB SSD, 3K screen = multitasking powerhouse
- Strong value for budget-conscious editors
4. HP Victus 15
- GTX 1650 GPU handles basic Premiere/Resolve workflows
- Double-duty machine for casual gaming and editing
5. Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro 16
- Integrated Radeon 680M graphics perform better than expected
- Ideal for editors focused on 1080p projects
Best Laptops for 4K Video Editing
- Apple MacBook Pro 16” (M3 Max)
- Dell XPS 17 – Intel Core i9, RTX 4080, 32GB RAM
- ASUS ProArt StudioBook 16 – Built for creators with high-end specs
Click below to explore and buy the best video editing laptops on Amazon today!
Laptop Comparison Tables
Premium Picks
| Laptop | CPU | GPU | Display | RAM | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Pro 16 (M3) | Apple M3 Max | Integrated | 16.2″ Retina XDR | 32–96GB | Final Cut Pro, color grading |
| Dell XPS 15 | Intel i9-13900H | RTX 4070 | 15.6″ OLED 4K | 32GB | Premiere Pro, heavy workflows |
| Zephyrus G14 | Ryzen 9 7940HS | RTX 4060 | 14″ QHD+ | 32GB | Gaming + editing |
| HP Spectre x360 | Intel i7-13700H | Intel Arc A370M | 16″ 3K OLED | 16GB | 2-in-1 portability |
| Lenovo Legion 5 Pro | Ryzen 7 6800H | RTX 3060 | 16″ QHD | 16GB | Affordable power |
Budget Picks (Under $1,000)
| Laptop | CPU | GPU | Display | RAM | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acer Swift X | Ryzen 7 5800U | RTX 3050 Ti | 14″ Full HD | 16GB | Students, entry-level editing |
| ASUS VivoBook Pro 15 | Ryzen 7 5800H | RTX 3050 | 15.6″ OLED | 16GB | Budget color work |
| Dell Inspiron 16 Plus | i7-12700H | RTX 3050 | 16″ 3K | 16GB | Multitaskers |
| HP Victus 15 | i5-12450H | GTX 1650 | 15.6″ Full HD | 16GB | Gamers/editors on a budget |
| Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro | Ryzen 7 6800H | Radeon 680M | 16″ 2.5K | 16GB | 1080p editing, lightweight workflows |
Laptops for Video Editing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I edit 4K video on a laptop under $1,000?
Yes—models like the Acer Swift X or Dell Inspiron 16 Plus can handle light 4K editing, though performance will dip with complex timelines or effects.
2. Is Mac or Windows better for video editing?
Both are excellent. MacBooks are optimized for Final Cut Pro, while Windows laptops offer more GPU options and better upgradeability.
3. Do I need a dedicated GPU?
For anything beyond basic cutting—yes. A GPU accelerates rendering, exports, and smooth preview playback in most editing programs.
4. What software runs best on laptops?
- Final Cut Pro: Mac only
- Adobe Premiere Pro: Mac & Windows
- DaVinci Resolve: Great free and pro version on both platforms
5. How long does a good laptop for video editing last?
Expect 4–6 years. Choose one with higher RAM, SSD space, and current-gen CPU/GPU to future-proof your purchase.
ALSO READ: Top 5 Best-Selling Laptops for Students in 2025
About the Author
Michelle Arington is a freelance video editor and tech reviewer with over 7 years of experience in post-production. I specializes in short-form branded content, YouTube editing, and gear testing. My workflow includes Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve, and regularly benchmarks laptops in real-world projects.