Best Laptop for Video Editing: Top 10 Picks for 2024

Video editing demands more than just a standard laptop. Whether you’re a beginner working on personal projects or a professional editor creating high-definition films, you need a machine with top-tier performance, speed, and visuals.

Best Laptop for Video Editing: Top 10 Picks for 2024

Choosing the right laptop can significantly improve your workflow, letting you handle large files, edit 4K footage, and render your work without long delays.

What to Look for in a Laptop for Video Editing

Before diving into the best options, here are a few features to consider when choosing a laptop for video editing:

  • Processor (CPU): You need a powerful CPU, like Intel’s i7 or i9, or AMD Ryzen 9, to handle multitasking and video rendering efficiently.
  • Graphics Card (GPU): A dedicated GPU like NVIDIA’s RTX series is vital for smooth playback, especially when working with high-res footage.
  • RAM: At least 16GB is ideal, but 32GB or more is recommended for handling large files and complex editing projects.
  • Display: A 4K or OLED display ensures accurate color grading and sharp visuals, essential for high-quality edits.
  • Storage: SSD storage of 512GB or higher is crucial for faster file access and smooth performance.

Best Laptop for Video Editing

Below is a detailed look at the 10 best laptops for video editing in 2024 that strike a balance between power, portability, and price.

  1. Apple MacBook Pro 16-Inch (M2 Pro/M2 Max)

If you’re after power and performance, the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch is an excellent choice. Equipped with the new M2 Pro or M2 Max chip, this laptop offers incredible speed and efficiency. Its stunning Retina display is perfect for color grading, and the long battery life makes it easy to edit on the go.

Key Features:

  • M2 Pro/Max chip with up to 12-core CPU and 38-core GPU
  • 2-inch Retina display with 3456×2234 resolution
  • Up to 96GB unified memory

Battery life up to 22 hours

The MacBook Pro stands out with its optimized hardware for editing software like Final Cut Pro.

While it may come at a higher price, the speed, smooth performance, and stunning visuals make it worth the investment, especially for professionals.

  1. Dell XPS 15

The Dell XPS 15 is one of the best Windows laptops for video editing. It offers a perfect blend of power and portability, featuring a stunning 4K OLED display that gives you incredible color accuracy and deep contrasts, essential for fine-tuning edits.

Key Features:

  • Intel Core i9 processor (up to 13th Gen)
  • NVIDIA RTX 4060 GPU
  • 6-inch 4K UHD+ touch display

Up to 64GB RAM

The XPS 15 packs serious power in a slim design, making it perfect for on-the-go editors. Whether you’re working with 4K video or high-res graphics, this laptop will keep up with ease.

  1. Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition

If you’re looking for a laptop with gaming-level power that’s also optimized for creative professionals, the Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition is hard to beat. Designed for tasks like 3D rendering and video editing, it comes with a high-performance GPU and a gorgeous 4K OLED display.

Key Features:

  • Intel Core i7/i9 processors
  • NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000
  • 6-inch 4K OLED touch display

Up to 32GB RAM

With its powerhouse graphics card, the Razer Blade 15 is a fantastic option for editors who need high-end performance. It’s on the pricier side, but the professional-grade specs make it a worthy investment for demanding editing tasks.

  1. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is a compact powerhouse perfect for creators who want a lightweight yet capable machine. It’s equipped with AMD’s Ryzen 9 processor and NVIDIA RTX 3060 graphics, providing serious performance in a small package.

Key Features:

  • AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS processor
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
  • 14-inch QHD display (165Hz)

Up to 32GB RAM

Despite its size, the Zephyrus G14 doesn’t skimp on performance, making it a great option for video editors who need something portable but powerful enough to handle 4K footage.

  1. HP Spectre x360 16

For those who prefer versatility and a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing performance, the HP Spectre x360 16 is an ideal pick. With its convertible design, you can switch between laptop and tablet mode, which can be useful for sketching out ideas or making quick adjustments on the fly.

Key Features:

  • Intel Core i7 processor (12th Gen)
  • Intel Iris Xe Graphics / NVIDIA RTX 3050
  • 16-inch 4K OLED touch display

Up to 32GB RAM

The Spectre x360 is perfect for creatives who want a blend of power and flexibility. The 4K OLED display ensures accurate colors, and its versatility makes it ideal for editing on-the-go or in small spaces.

  1. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop designed for creators. Its unique hinge allows the screen to shift from a traditional laptop mode to a drawing-friendly studio mode, which is excellent for editing and animation work.

Key Features:

  • Intel Core i7 processor (11th Gen)
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
  • 4-inch PixelSense Flow display with 120Hz refresh rate

Up to 32GB RAM

Its adaptive design combined with powerful specs makes it a great choice for editors who may also dabble in graphic design, 3D modeling, or motion graphics. The 120Hz refresh rate helps with smooth playback while editing high-frame-rate videos.

  1. Lenovo Legion 7i

While Lenovo’s Legion 7i is marketed as a gaming laptop, its specs are ideal for video editing. Featuring the latest Intel processors and NVIDIA GPUs, it provides the power you need for large video projects without the premium price tag of other high-end laptops.

Key Features:

  • Intel Core i9 processor (13th Gen)
  • NVIDIA RTX 4080 graphics
  • 16-inch QHD display with 165Hz refresh rate

Up to 32GB RAM

This laptop’s raw power, combined with a stunning display, makes it a great option for video editors who need high-end performance at a reasonable price point.

  1. Gigabyte Aero 17

The Gigabyte Aero 17 is a beast when it comes to handling demanding tasks like 4K video editing. It’s equipped with Intel’s latest i9 processor and an NVIDIA RTX 4090, which ensures that even the most complex projects run smoothly.

Key Features:

  • Intel Core i9 (13th Gen)
  • NVIDIA RTX 4090 GPU
  • 3-inch 4K UHD display

Up to 64GB RAM

With its large, vibrant 4K screen and incredible processing power, the Aero 17 is perfect for video editors working on high-definition content. It may not be the most portable option, but for stationary work, it’s an outstanding choice.

  1. Gigabyte Aero 16 OLED

The Gigabyte Aero 16 delivers top-notch performance and comes with an OLED screen, making it perfect for professionals focused on video and color correction.

Specs:

  • Intel Core i9 (12th Gen)
  • NVIDIA RTX 3080 Ti GPU
  • 16-inch 4K OLED display

Up to 64GB RAM

This laptop’s OLED screen offers deep blacks and accurate colors, making it excellent for visual-heavy tasks like video editing.

  1. Acer ConceptD 7 Ezel

The Acer ConceptD 7 Ezel is a laptop designed specifically for creative professionals, offering a unique hinge design and 4K touch display that can be adjusted for different working modes.

Specs:

  • Intel Core i7 processor
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
  • 6-inch 4K UHD touch display

Up to 32GB RAM

This laptop is perfect for video editors who also work with animation or illustration, thanks to its unique design and high-end performance.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best laptop for video editing depends on your specific needs, budget, and software preferences. If you’re a Mac user or work with Final Cut Pro, the MacBook Pro is a no-brainer.

Windows users, on the other hand, have a wealth of options ranging from the high-performing Dell XPS 15 to the ultra-powerful Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition. However, you can go through our guide above.

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