Professional’s Guide to Choosing the Ideal Laptop for Video Editing: Comprehensive Tests and Honest Reviews

The right laptop can make a world of difference. This applies to everyone, whether an everyday user or a professional video editor. Powerful laptops can greatly help video editors because their hardware allows them to handle demanding workloads. They can improve the quality of your video and save you a ton of time.

Also: Best laptops of 2024

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What is the best laptop for video editing right now?

We performed extensive research and hands-on testing when looking for the top video editing laptops you can buy today. We looked for models that excelled in processing power, display, and price, among other metrics. Our pick for the best laptop for video editing overall is the 16-inch Apple MacBook Pro (2023), due to its M3 Pro chipset, gorgeous Liquid Retina XDR display, and long-lasting battery life. It is rather expensive. But the MacBook Pro isn’t the only option out there. Below, we compare the top models from the best brands like ASUS and Dell.

Best laptops for video editing in 2024

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Pros

• Awesome performance from M3 chip
• Gorgeous display
• Long battery life.

Cons

• Heavy
• Expensive

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2023)

Best laptop for video editing overall

Our pick for the best video editing laptop should come as no surprise: The 2023 release of the MacBook Pro 16. It really can’t be understated just how good Apple’s hardware is for creative endeavors. The company puts so much effort into ensuring its products meet users’ needs.

The laptop comes equipped with an M3 SoC (system on a chip). The technology behind it is rather complicated, but all you need to know is that it is 60% faster than the old M1 hardware. This is partly thanks to the new neural engine allowing the MacBook Pro to enable on-device machine learning. It also has a better media engine for HEVC and H.264 hardware acceleration, plus support for ProRes RAW files. The MacBook Pro even has an AV1 decode engine to handle content from YouTube and Netflix.

Also: M3 MacBook Pro buying advice: Who it’s really for (and who should stick with M2 MacBook Air)

Of course, we can’t forget about the stunning Liquid Retina XDR display outputting a resolution of 3,024 x 1,964 pixels (or 3K for short). Screens sporting this tech have a high contrast ratio and brightness level for top-tier image fidelity. Other notable features include a 1080p webcam and a 22-hour battery life. We recommend opting for the model with the M3 Pro chip as it offers great performance while not being eye-watering expensive. If you can afford it, the MacBook with M3 Max chip may be more your style.

Don’t just take our word for it. The for the MacBook Pro are overwhelmingly positive. Customers said they enjoyed many of the same things we did, like the battery, the build quality, and the crystal-clear video.

Apple MacBook Pro 16 specs: Processor: Apple M3 Pro | Display size: 16 inches | Operating system: Mac OS | Dimensions: 14 x 9.77 x 0.66 inches

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Pros

• High quality OLED display
• Powerful performance
• Slim design

Cons

• No HDMI port
• Expensive

HP ZBook Studio G10 Mobile Workstation

Best video editing laptop display

If money is no object, then we highly recommend the HP ZBook Studio 16 G10. This thing is a beast. It sports a stunning 16-inch display outputting an image resolution slightly above 4K resolution (3,840 x 2,400 pixels, to be exact). The company also offers professionals a ton of hardware options to choose from. The base unit has an Intel Core i5013600H vPro processor with an integrated graphics card, but you opt for an i9-13900H vPro CPU and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 GPU.

Customization is a major aspect of the ZBook Studio 16 G10. Videos can take a lot of storage space. If you struggle with managing your files, equip the laptop with a 2TB SSD. Do you plan on editing full-length movies and have tons of footage on hand? HP allows shoppers to select 64GB of RAM. That amount of memory may be too much for the average person. Luckily, the company also offers 16GB and 32GB of RAM.

What’s surprising about the device is that despite all the powerful hardware, it’s not a bulky laptop. Sure, 16 inches can be a little tricky to carry, however, it’s slim and weighs a little under four pounds.

Again, this is not for people on a budget. Prices for ZBook Studio 16 G10 hover around $3,000 and go up from there. But if you can afford it, you’ll own one of the best video editing machines out there.

HP ZBook Studio G10 Mobile Workstation : Processor: 13th-genIntel Core i9-13900HX| Display size: 16 inches | Operating system: Windows 11 | Dimensions: 14.02 x 9.54 x 0.76 inches

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Pros

• Well-priced
• Hi-res display
• Powerful hardware

Cons

• Bulky

Dell Inspiron 16 Plus 7630

Best value for a video editing laptop

Time has been kind to the Dell Inspiron 16 Plus 7630. It was a solid laptop when it first came out, but the device was just too expensive to recommend. However, the price has dropped considerably, resulting in the model becoming one of the options for video editors on the market today.

Dell offers an awesome all-rounder laptop. It comes equipped with a stunning 16-inch, 2.5K resolution display capable of running at a refresh rate of 120Hz. As stated in our review, the screen is so good you “won’t even know the meaning of the word ‘lag’”. The glass is also covered in an anti-glare coating allowing it to still be viewable under bright environments. It is a fairly big so carrying the Inspiron 16 Plus may prove a little cumbersome on the road.

Review: Dell’s 16-inch Inspiron is a big-screen laptop done well, and it’s cheaper than you think

Inside its large chassis is a 13th Gen Intel i7-13700H CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU. These two make a great hardware pairing for video editing workloads. They deliver all the necessary processing and rendering power to help creators make videos. Of course, the 16-inch display makes doing so an easy task.

Dell Inspiron 16 Plus 7630 specs: Processor: 13th GenIntel Core i7-13620H | Display size: 16 inches | Operating system: Windows 11 | Dimensions: 14.05 x 9.92 x 0.67 inches

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Pros

• Compact and lightweight
• OLED display
• Powerful hardware

Cons

• Short battery life
• Pricey

Acer Swift X 14

Best 14-inch video editing laptop

Size isn’t everything. Sometimes you need a lightweight computer that can be easily taken on the road. You can travel with a 16-inch laptop; however, their large size makes them difficult to carry. Instead of those, we recommend buying a 14-inch laptop, and the best among them for video editing is the Acer Swift X 14.

Acer’s machine proves big things come in small packages. It sports a stunning 2.8K resolution screen that is supported by multiple image-enhancing features. For example, the Swift X 14 covers multiple color spaces enabling vivid output. Video editors will certainly appreciate the lightning-fast 120Hz refresh rate. This ensures responsive onscreen animations and crisp imagery.

Review: I tested Acer’s Swift X Laptop and its performance surprised me in 3 ways

Under the hood, the Swift X 14 houses some impressive hardware. The Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor is partnered up with the awesome Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card and a nice 32GB of RAM. This setup ensures the machine can handle just about any tough workload you can throw at it. Plus, it’s enough to provide a solid gaming experience whenever you want to take a break.

Be aware the hardware is power-hungry so you may experience quick battery drain.

Acer Swift X 14 (2024) specs: Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | Display size: 14.5 inches | Operating system: Windows 11 | Dimensions: 12.7 x 9 x 0.70 inches

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Pros

• Solid performance
• Bright 16-inch OLED screen
• Lightweight design

Cons

• Poor speakers
• Can run hot

LG Gram Pro 2-in-1

Best 2-in-1 laptop for video editing

LG’s Gram Pro 16 2-in-1 is a sleek, ultraportable laptop. For starters, it measures less than half an inch thick and weighs a little over three pounds enabling easy carrying. You won’t have to worry about the machine breaking because the nano-magnesium alloy makes it exceptionally sturdy. The slim design, vibrant display, and dark black chassis make for a stunning laptop. Very few laptops look this good. That flashiness is exclusive to its form factor.

The machine houses a high-quality 16-inch OLED display with multiple visual enhancers. It supports the entire RBG color scale, the entire P3 color gamut, and 94 percent of the Adobe RBG scale. Plus, it has a refresh rate of 120Hz for silky smooth video output.

Review: Our favorite lightweight laptop for work is not a MacBook or ThinkPad

The company throws in a free stylus with purchase and it can be used for a more natural editing experience. Inside is an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU capable of handling just about anything you throw it at. The graphics card is an integrated Intel Arc. It would’ve been nice if it was a dedicated GPU from Nvidia, but with up to 32GB of RAM, rendering video isn’t a problem. Do note that the LG Gram Pro 16 can run hot because of its powerful hardware.

LG Gram Pro 16 2-in-1 specs: Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | Display size: 16-inch WQXGA Plus OLED touchscreen | Operating system: Windows 11 | Dimensions: 14.06 x 9.99 x 0.49 inches

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Lenovo Yoga Book 9i

Best dual-screen laptop

Like Apple and the MacBook Air, Lenovo impressed us last year with the Yoga Book 9i. For the 2024 version, the company didn’t change its overall design. Lenovo knew they knocked it out of the park in this respect. Instead, the brand upgraded its hardware components, introduced some new features, and called it a day. It was a series of minor updates that were enough to make the Yoga Book 9i an excellent video editing laptop.

The device houses an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor “that’s [been] optimized for AI tasks,” according to ZDNET expert Max Buondonno. It gets paired with an Intel Irus Xe graphics card and up to 32 GB of memory, making this machine quite speedy. We should also mention the Yoga Book 9i comes with a solid sound system installed. Max called it “some of the best speakers I’ve ever heard on a laptop.” If audio plays a vital role in your video project and you don’t have a good soundbar on hand, Lenovo’s machine can come in handy.

Review: I tested Lenovo’s dual-screen laptop, and it improved my productivity in profound ways

Saving the best for last, the Yoga 9i’s dual-screen is very nice. You’ll receive a pair of 13.3-inch OLED displays sitting on each other, outputting vibrant colors and deep blacks. Each one has a brightness level of 400 nits, which is excellent for most situations.

Lenovo Yoga Book 9i specs: Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 155U | Display size: 13.3 inches 2.8K OLED | Operating system: Windows 11 | Dimensions: 11.78 x 8.03 x 0.63 inches

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Pros

• Affordable
• Decent display
• Comes with GeForce GPU

Cons

• Plastic construction
• Poor battery

Acer Aspire 5

Best budget video editing laptop

One of the first things you’ll notice when shopping for a video editing laptop is that many of them are really expensive. We have a few on this list over $3,000. This should come as no surprise, as a good video editing laptop must have high-performing hardware, and that comes at a cost. Luckily, there are some solid budget options, too, like the Acer Aspire 5.

I chose this model because of its solid hardware pairing: a 13th-Gen Intel Core i7-13620H processor with a Nvidia GeForce RTX 2050 graphics card. This configuration is not the greatest in the world, but still respectable. Rest assured, this machine can handle video editing workload, although you may experience some performance issues. You could opt for the Iris Xe GPU to drop the price tag even lower to around $500, but we don’t recommend doing this. You would be better off spending more money on superior hardware.

Also: The best cheap laptops, starting at $350

The screen outputs a resolution of 1,920 x 1,200 pixels with a refresh rate of 60Hz. It’s no 4K monster; however, at least it’s better than 1080p. Plus, it comes with various ports, including two USB-A inputs, HDMI, and an ethernet port.

Acer Aspire 5 specs: Processor: Intel Core i7-13620H | Display size: 14 inches | Operating system: Windows 11 | Dimensions: 9.30 x 14.21 x 0.70 inches

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Pros

• Strong performance
• 2K display
• Stealth Mode to tone down lights

Cons

• Hefty
• Short battery life

Alienware m16 R2

Best gaming laptop for video editing

As previously established, gaming laptops lend themselves very well to video editing. These machines typically have some of the best hardware configurations on the market, making a desktop green with envy. But the main problem with gaming laptops is that you can’t take them into the office. Their bright RGB lighting can be very distracting. Seeing an opportunity, Dell made a gaming laptop with the office worker in mind: the Alienware m16 R2.

In our review of this laptop, we point out how the device strikes a good design balance between being aesthetically pleasing and practical. It’s slim, lacking a bulky thermal shelf on the back, and is covered in a predominantly dark grey color scheme. However, the device’s most important design feature is its Stealth Mode, which can be activated by pressing F2. Doing so causes the RGB lights to turn white instantly. It’s a simple yet handy feature “for when you’re in a public setting.”

Review: Dell’s latest gaming laptop is an ultraportable machine I wouldn’t mind bringing to work

There is more to the m16 R2 besides its looks. It’s a powerful machine with an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, and 32GB of RAM. This configuration is excellent for handling all kinds of workloads, from video editing during the day to gaming during the evening. It’s a highly flexible laptop, one that comes highly recommended. If that’s not enough, it sports a 2K resolution display with a fast refresh rate of 240Hz.

Alienware m16 R2 specs: Processor: Intel Core Ultra 9 | Display size: 16 inches | Operating system: Windows 11 | Dimensions: 14.33 x 9.81 x 0.93 inches

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What is the best video editing laptop?

Due to its powerful hardware and crystal-clear display, the Apple MacBook Pro 16 from 2023 is the best laptop for video editing. Below is a list comparing it to the rest of our picks.

Which is the best laptop for video editing for you?

Finding the right laptop can take a lot of work. You’re dealing with many numbers being thrown your way, specifications can get confusing, and several of the models have similar if not outright the same, features. It can be tricky to differentiate between laptops.

Below is a table briefly explaining each recommendation and why you should get them. They can help you find the right one to meet your needs.

Factors to consider when choosing a video editing laptop

When picking out the best laptop for video editing, there are multiple factors to consider. The selections we made on the list were made with them in mind. For our evaluation, we weighed the following aspects:

• Processor: A CPU directly determines how fast a laptop can process and finish tasks. This includes actions like opening apps to run complex workloads. We specifically looked for advanced and multi-core processors capable of handling video editing programs.
• RAM: This refers to the amount of memory present on a laptop. It is essential to buy a device with a decent amount of memory installed, at least 16 G. Of course, it’s even better if you can get more. Ideally, you should opt for 32GB. Having a lot of RAM is crucial for a laptop to handle video editing apps, which can be quite resource-hungry.
• Graphics: When shopping for a laptop, it is recommended that you choose a model with a dedicated graphics card rather than an integrated one. The former can better handle tough workloads because it won’t be sharing power with the CPU. It has its power supply, allowing it to direct its resources to its processes.
• Display: You will need a high-quality display for video editing. Professionals have to be able to tell how good (or bad) the footage looks, its color output, and the finer details. Sizes can vary from model to model. Some, like the Strix SCAR 17, have a 17-inch screen, while others are a bit smaller at 14 inches. Big screens are ideal for showing off details, while small screens make the laptop easier to carry around.

How we test laptops

ZDNET receives a lot of laptops to review, and honestly, many of them could’ve made the list. To separate the best from the rest, we follow the criteria mentioned in the previous question: which ones have the nicest displays, the best performance, et cetera. At first, the laptop is tested casually: surf the internet, watch videos, download apps, and work on them just to get a feel for them. From there, we run more labor-intensive apps and perform benchmark tests to see what the hardware is capable of.

Once all the testing is complete, the best of the best are sorted and placed on the list. It can be tricky picking the premiere options. Some, like the MacBook Pro, are a no-brainer because it is such a good machine.

What are the best brands for the best video editing laptops?

Apple consistently makes some of the best video editing laptops as the company equips its machines with powerful hardware, a long-lasting battery, and access to some of the best software on the market. We could go on and on about how good their models. That said, it’s not perfect. Other laptops can be better under certain conditions.

Lenovo’s Yoga Book 9i, for example, is great if you want a dual-monitor setup, but don’t want to purchase a desktop. People on a budget will go for the Acer Aspire 5 or some other low-cost editing laptop. Simlarly, users who want a machine that double as a solid entertainment device should go for the Alienware m16 R2. See, it all depends on what someone is looking for. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario.

What laptop do YouTubers use to edit?

There isn’t a single laptop that all YouTubers use. It differs from person to person and from team to team. Although, it is probably safe to assume that the MacBook Pro is a common model. As stated earlier, it does so much in cultivating creative endeavors. The M3 chipset is much faster than the first generation. The laptop is also better suited at handling multimedia content thanks to support for HEVC, H.264 hardware acceleration, and ProRes RAW files.

Besides the MacBook, YouTubers probably a spare workstation laptop or desktop computer for editing.

How much does the best laptop for video editing cost?

Video editing laptops tend to be expensive. This is because they tend to house the industry’s best hardware. If you look at the list in detail, all entries cost over $1,000 except for the low-priced Acer Aspire 5.

Be prepared to shell out a significant amount of cash for one. The most expensive model on the list is the 16-inch HP ZBook Studio G10, which costs nearly $3,000. And there are builds of the ZBook that cost way more. After that, you have the Asus ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED costing over $2,000.

The one thing we stress is that your make sure whatever laptop you plan on buying meets your needs. There’s no point in buying an expensive laptop that’ll disappoint you or you purchase something with features you don’t ever use.

Is 16GB RAM enough for video editing?

16GB of memory is an okay amount for video editing. That’s fine for 4K resolution videos so long as you don’t have a lot of apps running in the background. However, if you plan on having heavy workloads, you’re going to need more. 16GB is not going to cut it. Instead, we recommend buying a laptop with at least 32GB of RAM.

Think of that amount as the golden standard for video editing. 32GB allows you edit all kinds of files and work with longer videos. Of course, more is better. 64GB of memory lets you run multiple apps in the background and tackle 8K footage.

How big should my SSD be for video editing?

You should, at the very least, have a laptop with 256GB of storage space. Uncompressed video footage and audio files can take up a lot of room on a computer so you’ll need as much space as possible. Ideally, it’s best to have a 1TB SSD. That’s a good amount, but of course, if you can afford more, get the bigger storage space: 2TB, 3TB, whatever.

When do laptops go on sale?

Video editing laptops go on sale multiple times throughout the year. Prices usually drop around major US holidays or designated sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. However, you can get major discounts during Amazon Prime Day, which is when the retailer slashes prices for many electronic products on its platform.

Also: October Prime Day 2024: Everything you need to know

The next Prime Day event kicks off on Oct. 8 and Oct 9. at the time of this writing. We have a list of the best October Prime Day laptop deals so far . We highly recommend checking it out.

Are there alternative laptops for video editing worth considering?

We recommend the laptops listed above, but the devices below are also worth a second look.

Best video editing laptop alternative ASUS Vivobook Pro 15 (2024) - Best video editing laptop alternative The ASUS Vivobook Pro 15 is a fantastic alternative to the MacBook Pro thanks to its top-tier hardware, OLED display, and full-sized keyboard. View at Shop.asus BEST WINDOWS VIDEO EDITING LAPTOP Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i - Best value for a video editing laptop alternative Lenovo’s IdeaPad Pro 5i is a solid pick for people who want to save money while still enjoying a high-resolution display and powerful hardware from Nvidia. View at Lenovo BEST PORTABLE LAPTOP FOR VIDEO EDITING Acer Predator Helios 300 - Best portable laptop for video editing Acer’s Predator Helios 300 is a great alternative to the Alienware m16 R2. It is a gaming laptop that performs very well and costs less too. View at Walmart

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