Best Laptops for Editing Video
In today’s fast-paced digital world, video editing has become an essential skill for content creators, filmmakers, and even hobbyists. Whether you’re producing YouTube videos, short films, or professional-grade content, having the right laptop can make all the difference. With the right machine, you can ensure smooth performance, faster rendering times, and a seamless editing experience.
In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best laptops for video editing in 2024, focusing on performance, display quality, portability, and overall value. We’ll also cover key factors to consider when choosing a laptop for video editing, ensuring you make an informed decision.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Laptop for Video Editing
Before diving into our top picks, let’s break down the key factors you should consider when selecting a laptop for video editing:
1. Processor (CPU)
The CPU is the brain of your laptop, and for video editing, you’ll need a powerful processor. Look for laptops with at least a quad-core processor. Intel’s Core i7 or i9, as well as AMD’s Ryzen 7 or Ryzen 9, are excellent choices for handling demanding editing tasks.
2. Graphics Card (GPU)
A dedicated GPU is essential for rendering videos and running software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve. Look for laptops with NVIDIA GeForce RTX or AMD Radeon GPUs for the best performance.
3. RAM
For smooth multitasking and handling large video files, a minimum of 16GB of RAM is recommended. However, for 4K or 8K video editing, 32GB or more is ideal.
4. Storage
Video files can take up a lot of space, so you’ll need a laptop with ample storage. A 512GB SSD is the minimum, but a 1TB SSD or more is preferable. SSDs are faster than traditional hard drives, which means quicker load times and faster file transfers.
5. Display
A high-quality display is crucial for video editing. Look for a laptop with at least a 1080p resolution, but if you’re editing 4K content, a 4K display is ideal. Additionally, color accuracy is important, so consider laptops with 100% sRGB or AdobeRGB coverage.
6. Portability
If you’re always on the go, portability is a key factor. Look for a laptop that balances power with portability, ideally weighing under 5 pounds.
Top 10 Laptops for Video Editing in 2024
1. Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M2 Max)
The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with the M2 Max chip is a powerhouse for video editing. With up to 96GB of unified memory, a stunning Liquid Retina XDR display, and incredible battery life, this laptop is perfect for professionals who need top-tier performance.
- Processor: Apple M2 Max
- RAM: Up to 96GB
- Storage: Up to 8TB SSD
- Display: 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR
- GPU: Integrated 38-core GPU
Learn more about the MacBook Pro
2. Dell XPS 17 (2024)
The Dell XPS 17 is a fantastic Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro. It features a stunning 17-inch 4K display, a powerful Intel Core i9 processor, and an NVIDIA RTX 4080 GPU, making it ideal for handling 4K and even 8K video editing.
- Processor: Intel Core i9-13900H
- RAM: Up to 64GB
- Storage: Up to 4TB SSD
- Display: 17-inch 4K UHD+
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080
3. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
While primarily marketed as a gaming laptop, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is also an excellent choice for video editing. Its AMD Ryzen 9 processor and NVIDIA RTX 4060 GPU provide plenty of power for editing, while its compact size makes it highly portable.
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS
- RAM: Up to 32GB
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Display: 14-inch QHD
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060
Explore the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
4. HP Spectre x360 16
The HP Spectre x360 16 is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop with a gorgeous 4K OLED display and powerful internals. Its Intel Core i7 processor and Intel Iris Xe graphics make it a solid choice for light to medium video editing tasks.
- Processor: Intel Core i7-13700H
- RAM: Up to 32GB
- Storage: Up to 1TB SSD
- Display: 16-inch 4K OLED
- GPU: Intel Iris Xe
5. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio is a unique laptop with a 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow display and a flexible hinge that allows it to switch between laptop and tablet modes. It’s equipped with an Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA RTX 3050 Ti, making it a great option for creative professionals.
- Processor: Intel Core i7-11370H
- RAM: Up to 32GB
- Storage: Up to 2TB SSD
- Display: 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
Learn more about the Surface Laptop Studio
6. Razer Blade 15 (2024)
The Razer Blade 15 is a sleek and powerful laptop that’s perfect for both gaming and video editing. It features a 15.6-inch 4K OLED display, an Intel Core i9 processor, and an NVIDIA RTX 4080 GPU, making it a top choice for 4K video editing.
- Processor: Intel Core i9-13950HX
- RAM: Up to 32GB
- Storage: Up to 2TB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch 4K OLED
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080
7. Lenovo Legion 7i
The Lenovo Legion 7i is another gaming laptop that excels at video editing. With an Intel Core i9 processor, NVIDIA RTX 4090 GPU, and a 16-inch 165Hz display, it’s perfect for handling high-resolution video projects.
- Processor: Intel Core i9-13900HX
- RAM: Up to 32GB
- Storage: Up to 2TB SSD
- Display: 16-inch QHD 165Hz
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090
8. Acer ConceptD 7 Ezel
The Acer ConceptD 7 Ezel is a laptop designed specifically for creative professionals. It features a 4K UHD display with 100% AdobeRGB coverage, making it perfect for color-sensitive video editing tasks. Its Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA RTX 3070 GPU provide plenty of power for editing and rendering.
- Processor: Intel Core i7-11800H
- RAM: Up to 32GB
- Storage: Up to 2TB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch 4K UHD
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070
Learn more about the Acer ConceptD 7 Ezel
9. Gigabyte Aero 16
The Gigabyte Aero 16 is a powerful laptop with a stunning 16-inch 4K AMOLED display. It’s equipped with an Intel Core i9 processor and an NVIDIA RTX 4070 GPU, making it a great choice for video editors who need a high-performance machine.
- Processor: Intel Core i9-13900H
- RAM: Up to 32GB
- Storage: Up to 2TB SSD
- Display: 16-inch 4K AMOLED
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
Check out the Gigabyte Aero 16
10. MSI Creator Z16
The MSI Creator Z16 is a laptop designed for creative professionals. It features a 16-inch QHD+ display with 100% DCI-P3 color accuracy, an Intel Core i9 processor, and an NVIDIA RTX 3060 GPU, making it perfect for video editing and other creative tasks.
- Processor: Intel Core i9-11900H
- RAM: Up to 64GB
- Storage: Up to 2TB SSD
- Display: 16-inch QHD+
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
Learn more about the MSI Creator Z16
By considering the factors outlined above and exploring the top laptops for video editing, you can find the perfect machine to meet your creative needs. Whether you’re editing 4K footage or working on complex projects, these laptops offer the power, performance, and display quality necessary for a seamless editing experience.
Additional Considerations for Video Editing Laptops
While we’ve covered the top laptops for video editing and the essential specifications to look for, there are a few other considerations that can further enhance your editing workflow. These factors may not be as immediately obvious as the specs, but they can have a significant impact on your overall experience.
1. Battery Life
When you’re editing on the go, battery life becomes a crucial factor. Video editing is a resource-intensive task, and it can drain your battery quickly. Laptops like the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M2 Max) are known for their impressive battery life, even under heavy workloads. However, if you’re using a Windows laptop, models like the Dell XPS 17 and HP Spectre x360 16 also offer decent battery performance for their class.
If you plan to edit for extended periods without access to a power outlet, consider investing in a laptop with long battery life or carrying a portable charger.
2. Cooling System
Video editing generates a lot of heat, especially when rendering or exporting large files. A laptop with an efficient cooling system is essential to prevent thermal throttling, which can slow down performance. Laptops like the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 and Razer Blade 15 are designed with advanced cooling systems to keep temperatures in check during intensive tasks.
Before purchasing a laptop, check reviews or specifications related to its cooling system. Overheating can lead to reduced performance, and in some cases, it may even shorten the lifespan of your device.
3. Ports and Connectivity
When editing videos, you’ll likely need to connect external devices such as external hard drives, SD card readers, or monitors. Ensure that your laptop has enough ports to accommodate these peripherals. Thunderbolt 4 ports are particularly useful for video editors, as they offer fast data transfer speeds and can support external GPUs and high-resolution monitors.
Some laptops, like the MacBook Pro, rely heavily on USB-C ports, so you may need to invest in adapters or docking stations to connect your devices. On the other hand, laptops like the Dell XPS 17 and Lenovo Legion 7i offer a wider range of ports, including USB-A, HDMI, and SD card readers.
4. Software Compatibility
Ensure that the laptop you choose is compatible with the video editing software you plan to use. Most laptops on this list are compatible with popular video editing programs like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Sony Vegas. However, if you’re using software that requires specific hardware or operating systems, such as Final Cut Pro (which is exclusive to macOS), make sure your laptop meets those requirements.
5. Upgradability
Some laptops allow you to upgrade components like RAM and storage after purchase. This can be a cost-effective way to extend the lifespan of your laptop as your editing needs grow. Laptops like the Dell XPS 17 and Lenovo Legion 7i offer upgradable RAM and storage options, while others, like the MacBook Pro, have soldered components that cannot be upgraded.
If you anticipate needing more RAM or storage in the future, consider a laptop that allows for upgrades or choose a model with higher specs from the outset.
Best Practices for Optimizing Your Laptop for Video Editing
Once you’ve chosen your laptop, there are several steps you can take to optimize it for video editing. These best practices will help you get the most out of your hardware and ensure smooth performance during your editing sessions.
1. Keep Your Software Updated
Ensure that your operating system, video editing software, and drivers are always up to date. Software updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes that can enhance your editing experience. For example, Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve frequently release updates that optimize performance for specific hardware configurations.
2. Use an External Hard Drive
Video files can quickly eat up your laptop’s internal storage, especially when working with 4K or 8K footage. Using an external hard drive, particularly one with SSD technology, can help you store large projects without slowing down your laptop. Look for external drives with USB-C or Thunderbolt 3/4 connections for faster data transfer speeds.
3. Close Unnecessary Applications
Video editing requires a lot of system resources, so it’s important to close any unnecessary applications running in the background. This will free up RAM and CPU resources, allowing your editing software to run more smoothly. You can also use Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (macOS) to monitor resource usage and close any processes that are hogging system resources.
4. Optimize Your Editing Software Settings
Most video editing programs allow you to customize settings for optimal performance. For example, in Adobe Premiere Pro, you can adjust the playback resolution to half or quarter when editing high-resolution footage. This reduces the strain on your laptop’s GPU and CPU, resulting in smoother playback during the editing process.
Additionally, make sure to allocate enough RAM to your editing software. In Premiere Pro, you can adjust the memory settings to prioritize performance over other applications.
5. Regularly Clean Your Laptop
Dust and debris can accumulate in your laptop’s vents, leading to overheating and reduced performance. Regularly clean your laptop’s fans and vents to ensure proper airflow. You can use compressed air to blow out dust or take your laptop to a professional for a thorough cleaning.
Best Laptops for Editing Video
Choosing the best laptop for video editing in 2024 depends on your specific needs, budget, and the type of content you plan to create. Whether you’re a professional filmmaker working with 8K footage or a YouTuber editing 1080p videos, the laptops on this list offer a range of options to suit every level of expertise and requirement.
From the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M2 Max) with its unmatched performance and display quality to the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, which balances power and portability, there’s a laptop for every type of video editor. By considering factors like CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, and display quality, you can find the perfect machine to elevate your editing workflow.
Additionally, optimizing your laptop through best practices such as keeping your software updated, using external storage, and managing system resources will ensure that your laptop performs at its best, even during the most demanding editing sessions.
FAQ Best Laptops for Editing Video
1. What is the best laptop for 4K video editing?
The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M2 Max) and the Dell XPS 17 are excellent choices for 4K video editing due to their powerful processors, high-quality displays, and dedicated GPUs.
2. How much RAM do I need for video editing?
For most video editing tasks, 16GB of RAM is sufficient. However, for 4K or 8K video editing, 32GB or more is recommended.
3. Is a dedicated GPU necessary for video editing?
Yes, a dedicated GPU is essential for video editing, especially when working with high-resolution footage or using software that relies on GPU acceleration, such as Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve.
4. Can I use a gaming laptop for video editing?
Yes, many gaming laptops, such as the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 and the Razer Blade 15, have powerful CPUs and GPUs that make them excellent for video editing.
5. What is the best budget laptop for video editing?
The HP Spectre x360 16 and the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 offer a great balance of performance and price, making them excellent budget options for video editing.
6. What is the difference between a gaming laptop and a video editing laptop?
While gaming laptops and video editing laptops share many of the same components, such as powerful CPUs and GPUs, video editing laptops often prioritize color accuracy and display quality. Gaming laptops, on the other hand, may focus more on refresh rates and response times for a better gaming experience. However, many gaming laptops, like the Razer Blade 15 and Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, are excellent for video editing due to their powerful hardware.
7. Can I edit 8K videos on a laptop?
Yes, but you’ll need a high-performance laptop with a powerful CPU, GPU, and at least 32GB of RAM to handle 8K video editing. Laptops like the Dell XPS 17 and Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M2 Max) are capable of editing 8K footage smoothly.
8. Is macOS or Windows better for video editing?
Both macOS and Windows are excellent platforms for video editing, and the choice largely depends on your personal preference and the software you use. Final Cut Pro is exclusive to macOS, while Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve are available on both platforms. macOS is often favored by creative professionals for its stability and integration with other Apple products, while Windows offers more flexibility in terms of hardware options.
9. Do I need a 4K display for video editing?
A 4K display is not strictly necessary for video editing, but it can be beneficial if you’re working with 4K footage. A 4K display allows you to see your content in its native resolution, which can help with color grading and fine-tuning details. However, if your budget doesn’t allow for a 4K display, a high-quality 1080p display with good color accuracy is still a viable option.
10. What is the best external monitor for video editing?
If you’re looking to expand your workspace with an external monitor, consider models like the LG UltraFine 5K or the BenQ PD3200U. These monitors offer excellent color accuracy and resolution, making them ideal for video editing. Look for monitors with 100% sRGB or AdobeRGB coverage for the best results.
By following this guide and considering the factors that matter most to your workflow, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the best laptop for video editing in 2024. Whether you prioritize portability, display quality, or raw power, the laptops listed here will help you create stunning videos with ease.
