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The best laptops for video editing are the ones that are sufficiently incredible to deal with large alter occupations and adequately light to convey the entire day, with a screen splendid and precise enough to allow you to accomplish your best work. It assists with having sufficient battery life that you don’t have to drag a charger around, by the same token.
Fortunately, you have more choices than any other time on account of late advances in the province of CPU improvement. Intel, AMD, and presently Apple have fulfilled customer need for more modest, all the more impressive laptops with some thick laptop CPUs (or SoCs, on account of Apple’s momentous M1 chip), so in case you’re mostly keen on doing sporting video editing and plan to adhere to 1080p goal, there are heaps of slim and light laptops adequately amazing to take care of business. Simply ensure you’re utilizing the best video editing programming for your requirements.
1. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
Best all-around laptop
Pros
- Excellent performance
- Super compact design paired with 11-hour battery life
- Great display and audio quality
Cons
- No webcam
- Keyboard has backlighting issues
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 14-inches, 1920 x 1080
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9-4900HS
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 1TB SSD
Weight: 3.5 pounds
Handbrake 4K-1080p video transcode time: 6:53
The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is that uncommon gaming laptop that figures out how to be both incredible and convenient without forfeiting battery life. The unit we checked on accomplishes this gratitude to its AMD Ryzen 9 processor, a truly able CPU that accompanies AMD’s most recent tech to convey power without depleting your battery very quickly. Factor in the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Max-Q GPU and you’re taking a gander at an exceptionally incredible 14-inch laptop.
This gaming laptop is adequately incredible to deal with large alter occupations yet smooth enough to toss in a sack and disregard, however the genuine explanation it beat this rundown is its amazing 11-hour battery life. That sort of battery life is practically inconceivable in a superior laptop, the Zephyrus G14 is really reasonable for sure. Indeed, you don’t get a webcam and the console backdrop illumination has a few issues, yet relying upon how you feel about protection the absence of an implicit camera could really be something good. Try not to let the way that it’s a gaming laptop prevent you – the Asus ROG Zephyrus 14 is a great all-around video editing laptop.
2. MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1, late 2020)
Best choice for video editing
Pros
- Great performance
- Long Lasting battery life
- Gorgeous and colorful display
Cons
- Mediocre design
- Only two Thunderbolt ports
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 13 inches; 2560×1600
CPU: Apple M1 (8-core)
GPU: 8-core integrated
RAM: 8GB to 16GB
Storage: 256GB to 2TB SSD
Weight: 3 pounds
Handbrake 4K-1080p video transcode time: 7:46
The maturing 16-inch MacBook Pro will consistently be a decent laptop for video editing, however Apple’s new 13-inch MacBook Pro with M1 is an incredible redesign on the grounds that it’s light, extensive, and adequately amazing to deal with the largest part of editing occupations. You’ll feel the absence of a discrete GPU on some enormous activities, yet the productivity and execution of Apple silicon should help this M1-controlled MacBook Pro fight at a surprisingly high level.
Furthermore, its Retina show is both splendid and bright, so the video you alter on the MacBook Pro will look superb (as will the following Netflix show you gorge). We simply wish Apple would refresh its plan or give you more Thunderbolt ports — the 4 USB-C port config is right now restricted to more established Intel-based MacBook Pros. All things considered, it’s stunning to perceive how Apple’s own processors have devastated the presentation found in its old Intel-based MacBooks. Everything amounts to why the 13 inch MacBook Pro is probably the best laptop for video editing. Its mind blowing 16-hour battery life is really helpful to have when there’s no other option, as well.
3. Dell G5 15 SE
Great budget laptop for video editing performance.
Pros
- Great overall performance
- Impressive battery life
- Vibrant/ Beautiful display
Cons
- Mediocre speakers
- Keyboard can get cramped
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 15.6 inches, 1920 x 1080, 60Hz/144Hz
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 4600H/Ryzen 5 4800H
GPU: AMD Radeon RX 5600M
RAM: 8-16GB
Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB SSD
Weight: 5.5 pounds
Handbrake 4K-1080p video transcode time: 6:43
In case you’re after a reasonable, however amazing gaming laptop that can deal with some genuine video editing, the Dell G5 15 SE 2020 is definitely worth your thought. The surprisingly forgettable name gives a false representation of the way that this is a truly competent machine clad in a flawless, unassuming suspension if you are on a budget. Furthermore, notwithstanding its value, it can stay aware of a portion of the more costly gaming laptops, particularly at 1080p.
Dell has picked to go with an all-AND design, so the G5 15 SE sports a Ryzen 5 4000-series CPU and a Radeon RX 5600M GPU to convey some graphical muscle. With up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD space, the Dell G5 15 SE 2020 is a truly competent video editing laptop — it really finished our Handbrake video editing test a smidge quicker than some other laptop on this rundown. You’ll need to pay a lot for the best specs, however that cost additionally gets you a brilliant showcase with a 144Hz revive rate. The G5 15 SE’s plastic form probably won’t shout ‘premium’, yet it actually looks pretty sharp on a work area. All the more significantly, it has it where it really matters.
4. Asus Zenbook 13 OLED
Best Portable video editing laptop
Pros
- Crazy Long lasting battery life
- Gorgeous 1080p OLED display
- Powerful performance
Cons
- Mediocre sound quality
- Inconsistent webcam
- No headphone jack
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 13.3-inch 1080p OLED
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700U
GPU: Integrated Radeon graphics
RAM: 8 GBStorage: 512 GB
Weight: 2.5 pounds
Handbrake 4K-1080p video transcode time: 8:22
The AMD-prepared Asus Zenbook 13 OLED is a skilled laptop for video editing that offers astounding worth, conveying an eye-getting 1080p OLED show and uncommon battery life in a thin, lightweight bundle for not exactly 1,000 bucks.
Indeed, the speakers aren’t astonishing, the webcam comes up short, and there’s no earphone jack, however these are hindrances you can work around. The AMD Ryzen 7 5000-series CPU and 8 GB of RAM give you enough ability to deal with straightforward video editing, particularly in the event that you keep it to 1080p, and the OLED show is a delight to check out. The 15-hour battery life is quite great to have, as well, particularly on those long days. On the off chance that you need a little, versatile laptop with an incredible screen that can deal with video editing and keep going you the entire day, you can’t show improvement over the OLED-prepared Asus Zenbook 13 at this cost.
5. Apple MacBook Air with M1
The Best MacBook for video editing
Pros
- Blazing fast performance
- Strong legacy app support
- Super long battery life
Cons
- Has thick bezels
- Light on ports
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 13.3 inches; 2560×1600
CPU: Apple M1
GPU: Integrated 8-core GPU
RAM: 8GB-16GB
Storage: 256GB-2TB SSD
Weight: 2.8 pounds
Handbrake 4K-1080p video transcode time: 9:15
Macintosh’s amazing M1 chips fight at a surprisingly high level, delivering the 13-inch MacBook Air with M1, an astoundingly powerful lightweight laptop for video editing. Indeed, we’re experiencing a daily reality such that you could accomplish genuine inventive work on a MacBook Air. We’re as amazed as you may be.
It’s not exactly as powerful as the 13-inch MacBook Pro with M1, or the 16-inch MacBook Pro with its Intel CPUs and discrete GPUs, yet the M1-prepared MacBook Air can in any case finish most video editing occupations — and it’s lighter and less expensive than a Pro.
In addition, you get more grounded sound than you’d anticipate from a laptop this little, since it supports Dolby Atmos sound. Also, the brilliant, energetic 2,560 x 1600-pixel Retina show ought to be good looking during those long editing meetings.
6. Dell XPS 15 (2020)
Best 15-inch video editing laptop
Pros
- Gorgeous display
- Overall Great performance
- Comfortable keyboard and touchpad
Cons
- Mediocre battery life
- Gets loud under pressure
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 15.6 inches; 1080p or 4K
CPU: 10th Gen Intel Core i5 / i7
GPU: Intel UHD / Nvidia GTX 1650 Ti
RAM: 8GB / 16GB / 32GB / 64GB
Storage: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB SSD
Weight: 4-4.5 pounds
Handbrake 4K-1080p video transcode time: 10:06
Try not to allow its thin and polished plan to trick you — the Dell XPS 15 2020 is an outright workhorse, and its vivid 15.6-inch InfinityEdge 4K presentation is a delight to chip away at. It’s incredible enough to deal with some really genuine video editing work as well, because of its tenth Gen Intel Core processors and the discretionary Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti GPU you can arrange it with.
Factor in a couple of amazingly noisy speakers and strong battery life for a 4K laptop, and the new XPS 15 is one of the most outstanding 15-inch laptops you can purchase for video editing. You can get comparable execution, worth, and screen quality out of its kin, the slight Dell XPS 13 and the large XPS 17, however we think the XPS 15 conveys the ideal equilibrium of screen size and convenience for video editors in a hurry.
7. Alienware m15 R4
The best 4K laptop for video editing choice
Pros
- Slim aesthetic design
- Powerful performance
- Decent keyboard and touchpad
Cons
- Fan gets very loud
- Short battery life
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 15 inches, 4K OLED
CPU: Intel Core i7-10870H CPU @ 2.20GHz, 2.21 GHz
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070
RAM: 16 GBStorage: 1 TB SSD
Weight: 5.3 pounds
Handbrake 4K-1080p video transcode time: 7:07
The Alienware m15 R4 is a smooth and useful gaming laptop that is bounty incredible enough for 4K video editing, much obliged (to some degree) to its amazing Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 GPU. While this machine can undoubtedly cost you a lot consequently, you’ll get a smoothed out and generally lightweight gadget with a smooth white case that looks great on a work area. With a quick CPU, bunches of hard drive space and an excellent 4K showcase, the m15 R4 is a shockingly extraordinary laptop for video editing.
Obviously, as most Alienware laptops (and gaming laptops overall), the m15 R4 has pretty small battery life, overseeing scarcely 4 hours of web surfing on a full battery. The fans get astoundingly boisterous under substantial jobs as well, however in case you’re editing video with earphones on you’ll scarcely take note.
8. Razer Blade 14
The best 14-inch video editing laptop when the price doesn’t matter
Pros
- Excellent gaming performance
- Powerful components
- Sleek design
- Gorgeous screen
Cons
- Cramped keyboard
- Software oddities
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 14-inch, up to QHD, 165 Hz
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX
GPU: Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080
RAM: 16 GB
Storage: 1 TB SSD
Dimensions: 12.6 x 8.7 x 0.7 inches
Handbrake 4K-1080p video transcode time: 7:20
The first 14-inch Razer laptop in quite a while, the Razer Blade 14 offers amazing parts and astounding execution in a smaller and lightweight bundle. The Asus ROG Zephyrus 14 offers somewhat better worth, yet in case you’re willing to spend up a lot for a completely kitted-out Razer Blade 14 you’ll get a burly video editing laptop that is smooth and simple to convey.
Obviously, the difficult situation of the Razer Blade 14 is that while it’s amazingly thin and simple to convey, it likewise gobbles up battery, enduring scarcely an hour and a half under weighty burden. That implies you’ll have to stress over conveying a charger in the event that you hope to do a ton of video editing in a hurry. Yet, on the off chance that you can stomach the excessive cost and low battery life, the Razer Blade 14 is an astounding gaming laptop that serves as an incredible laptop for video editing.
9. Alienware m17 R2
Best laptop if you’re video editing at a desk
Pros
- Lightweight, long lasting battery life
- Great performance
Cons
- Pricey
- Crackly speakers
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 17.3 inches, 1920 x 1080
CPU: Intel Core i5-i9, 2.4-2.6 GHz
GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti-RTX 2080 Max-Q
RAM: 8-16GB
Storage: 256GB SSD-4TB
Weight: 5.7 pounds
Handbrake 4K-1080p video transcode time: 6:53
Like all Alienware gaming laptops, the Alienware m17 R2 is costly, and the battery life is not a huge deal. Notwithstanding, on the off chance that you need a bulky laptop with a big screen for video editing, dishing out for a kitted-out m17 R2 bodes well: you’ll get first in class GeForce RTX GPUs, Core i9 CPUs, a major 17.3-inch show, and more extra room than a U-Haul office. It’s probably the most seasoned laptop on this rundown, yet it actually figured out how to procure perhaps the quickest time in our Handbrake video transcoding test.
In any case, we timed the battery life of the m17 R2 at around 4 hours on a full charge; that is in reality very useful for a gaming laptop, yet it implies you shouldn’t put resources into a M17 R2 in the event that you hope to be working away from a source for broadened periods. In any case, on the off chance that you simply need an incredible big-screen laptop to sit in a work area and alter videos, the m17 R2 is an extraordinary decision that will not let you down.
How to pick the best video editing laptop for you
Performance: If you need great execution when editing video, you ought to get a laptop with something like a Core i5 CPU, 8 to 16GB of RAM and a 256GB to 512GB SSD. That will be sufficient for most 1080p tasks, however for working in 4K or on large ventures you’ll need to attempt to move up to somewhere around a Core i7 CPU, 16 to 32 GB of RAM, and a 1 TB SSD.
Graphics: Most standard laptops highlight coordinated illustrations, which can deal with lightweight video editing at 1080p however aren’t great for enormous videos, particularly those in 4K. For that, you’ll need a laptop with a discrete illustration card, preferably something on the higher finish of the Nvidia GTX 3000-series.
Size: Consider how versatile you need your laptop to be. Ultraportables like the Asus Zenbook 13 OLED and Dell XPS 15 are thin and light, while gaming scratch pad, for example, the Alienware m17 R2 are enormous and cumbersome — however offer huge force in return,
Working framework: If you need to utilize the most widely recognized video editing programming, you’ll need to stay with a moderately ongoing variant of Windows or macOS — Linux and Chrome OS laptops don’t have the stuff to dominate at video editing. At this moment you’ll need a laptop with the most recent form of Windows 10 or macOS Big Sur, however Windows 11 and macOS 12 Monterey laptops are close to the corner.
