If you are a professional video editor, a film-school student, or just someone passionate about A/V, you can derive immense pleasure from owning a best laptop for video editing .

A laptop that understands the needs of a video editor goes a long way in keeping you from harrowing post-production sessions.

It is all very well to tell yourself that any video editing you require can be done on a regular laptop; it is just about tying in small clips together, right?

But it is when you stare at distorted imagery, fiddle with an uncooperative touchpad, and tear your hair apart over an unresponsive processor that you begin to lose faith. The footage you shot in the first place seems to be without any potential whatsoever.

For satisfying and productive video editing, THE most important thing does not come as a surprise: a mighty processor. But along with a persevering CPU, you also need a display that does justice to your content.

A user-friendly operating system is essential too. It is true that video editing has conventionally been associated with a Mac laptop that lets you use software like Final Cut Pro.

But, unless you are a hardcore loyalist, you can also opt for Windows 10 or Linux. Some other important considerations include a specially designed keyboard. Video editing involves precise, repetitive movements, and a keyboard that gets this is going to be vital.

When purchasing a multimedia-focused laptop, it is a good idea to enlist your priorities and choose from various form factors that offer a veritable mix. For instance, many 14” and 15” machines prove adequate for video editing; they manage to expand the available screen space by thinning out the bezel.

You can also explore convertibles, devices with 17” screens (if mobility isn’t a priority), and desktop-replacement laptops.

Features of the Best Video Editing Laptops

Here are the essential features you must look for in a competent multimedia editing laptop:

A powerful CPU : Look for at least an Intel Core i7, preferably with multiple cores. The ideal RAM support would be upwards of 16GB, although many affordable laptops now also offer up to 32GB.

Integrated/dedicated graphics : While integrated graphics might be too weak for many AAA games, they work reasonably well for video editing. Of course, if you can get a lucrative deal on a starter GPU like an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti, it makes sense to go right ahead.

Ample storage space : It would be smart to splurge on a laptop with an SSD as the speed gains during video editing are tremendous. Since high-capacity SSDs are still pricey, you can get additional storage through an external hard drive.

Lightweight construction : If you plan to move about with your laptop, settle for something that weighs in the range of 4–5lbs. But remember not to compromise on the USB ports or display ports to achieve this. A USB Type-C port (or regular USB 3.1 or 3.0 ports), an SD card reader, and an audio port are essential for any video editing machine.

A vivid display : An FHD screen is the bare minimum here, although you might need to get a 4K display if you shoot in a high resolution.

An intuitive keyboard : Aim to get a laptop that offers a backlit keyboard with thoughtful shortcuts and ergonomic key placement (and handy travel distance).

Our Picks: Best Laptop for Video Editing 2020

Okay, that is enough of a preamble for video editing machines; it is time to dive right in and select a companion that will help you achieve the visual brilliance you so dearly covet.

We have put together a list of ten best laptop for video editing 2020 that encompass all the essential features while catering to different budgets and priorities.

Recommended Specs for

Video Editing Laptop CPU Intel Core i7 (Up to 4. 5GHz) GPU NVIDIA GeForce GTX/RTX RAM 16GB DDR4 2666MHz Storage 512GB NVMe SSD Display 15.6" Full HD (1920x1080)

100% DCI-P3 Color Gamut

Battery Life Up to 9-hours Weight 4-5 lbs Keyboard Backlit Keyboard

1. MSI Creator 15 A10SEV (Most Recommended)

If you are a professional creator, working with 4K video quality is a given.

The MSI Creator 15 A10SEV is hands down one of the best available options for video editing, especially if you do deal with 4K video quality.

Available Online on Amazon

For a device that looks so stunning with sharp edges and three-way narrow bezels, this device packs in a whole lot for the creators out there.

The device is powered by the Intel Core i7-10875H processor along with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX2060 GPU with 6GB VRAM for smoother graphics and visual experience. The device is mainly popular for its striking visuals, delivery true to life images in 4K quality.

The 15.6” display is touchscreen that lets you unveil your creativity even better. It makes navigation effortless and charges through your productivity. The device is equipped with 1TB SSD for storage along with 32GB RAM for faster performance.

2. ConceptD 3 Ezel (Recommended)

Acer is known for their budget-friendly devices and the ConceptD 3 Ezel is likely one of the best options available out there.

This is a very popular convertible laptop under $1500 that packs in a lot of the latest features that you otherwise wouldn’t find in any of the remaining devices.

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The striking feature of this device is likely the Ezel hinge that allows you to change your laptop into six different convertible modes.

This allows you to create and collaborate with other creators. The device also has a ceramic surface that leaves behind a very matte finish look on the exterior.

It is also constructed with a blend of magnesium and aluminum, enabling an extremely lightweight device that you can carry around.

As for the processor, it is powered by the 10th Generation Intel Core i7-10750H CPU with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650.

This 14” FHD device also supports 512GB SSD along with 16GB RAM for memory.

3. Apple MacBook Pro 16 Inch (Best Mac)

A powerful Intel Core i9 processor, AMD Radeon Pro 5500M graphics, and a vivid Retina Display with True Tone technology set the 16” Apple MacBook Pro apart.

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A competent video editing computer, it is equipped with up to 64GB RAM, as much as 8TB SSD, and a redesigned cooling mechanism. It also offers an innovative Touch Bar for increased productivity.

This MacBook believes in connectivity through USB-C ports (four) and 802.11AC Wi-Fi—a blessing for editors who need access to storage devices, external screens, etc.

In fact, you can easily plug in up to two 6K displays. The sound system of this laptop is especially praiseworthy, thanks to the six-speaker system, force-cancelling woofers, and three-mic array.

Bonus: You get as much as 11 hours of battery life—not a common merit to boot for powerful multimedia machines. It is easy to work on your editing projects even on the go.

4. Dell XPS 15 9500 (Premium)

For 4K video editing needs, the 15.6” Dell XPS 15 9500 is among the best choices in the market today.

It comes equipped with a FHD+ touchscreen that offers 100% Adobe RGB, and 94% DCI-P3 color gamut.

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The display is VESA certified and incorporates Dolby Vision, ensuring vivid imagery and meticulous rendition of details.

The performance is excellent, thanks to the speedy Intel Core i7-10750H CPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and NVIDIA GTX 1650 Ti graphics.

Accessibility-wise, Dell rises to the occasion with a 62% larger touchpad and a 5% larger screen.

With Corning Gorilla Glass 6 to guard the display, you can work on the laptop comfortably from any location. Auditory distortion is also minimized since this device uses a quad-speaker design with Waves Nx audio.

Another thoughtful addition is Eyesafe display technology that reduces blue light and protects your eyes during extended video editing sessions at night.

5. HP Envy 15 (Best Battery-life)

If you are a traveling content creator who is on the go all the time, the last thing you want to do is invest on a laptop that doesn’t have a good battery life.

The HP Envy 15 is here to fix that issue for you. The device is considered one of the best video editing laptops with all day battery life to ensure that your work is never hampered.

Available Online on Amazon

The 15.6” display is surrounded by narrow bezels on the side, enabling easier navigation and better productivity throughout the day.

The display also has an 82% screen to body ratio. As for the performance, the device is powered by the 10th Generation Intel Core i7-10750H Processor along with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti GPU for breakthrough graphics.

The 512GB PCIe SSD offers a faster boot-up and ensures smoother performance beyond your expectations.

It also features 16GB DDR4 RAM that comes with two upgradeable accessible slots. The best part of this device is likely the 18-hours of battery life.

6. Microsoft Surface Book 3 (Best 2-in-1)

Microsoft Surface Book 3 is possibly one of the most techy design that you will likely come across with its convertible lid and modern design.

Unlike the prior one, this one comes in two different display configurations, including the 13.5” and the 15” display that is meant for creating stunning videos and creative content. The 15” variant is also touted the best option for the gamers.

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The device supports up to Quad-core 10th Gen Intel Core i7-1065G7 Processor, depending on the configuration. Aside from that, it is also programmed with the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti with Max-Q Design for effortless graphical experience without any compromise at all.

Starting at just 3.38 pounds, this laptop is lightweight and portable, making it a perfect option for when you are on the go and need an editing buddy to get your needs sorted. The laptop itself comes with a robust and durable design that further makes it an option worth investing on.

As for the memory and storage, the Surface Book 3 supports up to 2TB PCIe SSD along with up to 32 GB RAM for smoother performance beyond your imagination. Not just that, it also comes with a battery life of up to 17.5 hours, which is pretty amazing too.

7. Acer Swift 3 SF314-42 (Best Budget)

The 14″ Acer Swift 3 SF314-42 costs under $700 and is easily the cheapest video editing laptop on this list.

At the core of this device is an AMD Ryzen 7 4700U processor, 8GB RAM, a 512GB SSD and Radeon Graphics.

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Employing an AMD CPU brings down the cost while maintaining a high degree of multitasking and productivity.

Let’s talk about the display. The FHD monitor supports IPS and follows a narrow-bezel design to deliver a high screen-to-body ratio (82.73%). This lets you view the screen from any viewing position and not experience distortion.

Accessibility is a significant plus here, made possible by Cortana and Acer Purified Voice technology for clear sound sans typing noise.

You have your hands on a nifty device that weighs only 2.65 lbs and is 0.63″ thin—feather-light and sleek enough to carry around in a backpack.

In another tremendous bonus, this laptop lasts unplugged for up to 11.5 hours. Add to that Wi-Fi 6 and a backlit keyboard, and you have an exceptional traveler that can get working from anywhere.

8. MSI Prestige 14 (Under $1000)

Video editing is a strenuous job in itself. The last thing you want is to further burden yourself with a heavy-weight laptop.

The MSI Prestige 14 is hands down one of the best available options, especially when you are on the lookout for a lightweight and mobile workstation.

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This features a stunning 14” FHD display with anti-glare and wide view angle display for better productivity throughout.

As for the performance of the device, it features the Intel 10th Gen. Core i5-10210u processor along with NVIDIA GeForce GTX1650 for ground-breaking graphics unlike your imagination.

If you are skeptical about the storage and memory, the device is equipped with 512GB SSD for storage along with 16GB RAM for memory options.

9. Acer Aspire 5 A515-44 (Best Cheap)

The 15.6” Acer Aspire 5 A515-44-R41B is available at an unbelievable price of under $550, delivering speedy performance and a pleasant display for video editing.

Powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 4500U processor, this laptop is equipped with 8GB RAM and a 256GB SSD.

Available Online on Amazon

It provides tremendous unplugged usage for a video editing laptop—to the tune of 10 hours.

The FHD display is compatible with IPS and has a screen resolution of 1920 x 1080. Further, the Acer Color Intelligence technology guarantees a satisfying rendition of different formats of videos, the colors precise and beautiful.

On the flip side, you will miss out on the glories of a dedicated graphics card; this laptop comes with integrated amd radeon Graphics.

Although this is a budget laptop, there is no paucity of connectivity options. You can use the Type-C USB port for rapid data transfer or avail of the HDMI to connect to external displays. Also, as this laptop is quite portable at 4.19lbs and 0.7”, you can work from wherever life takes you.

Bonus: Acer is considerate of your eyes! Protecting you from eye strain is a blue light filter built into the screen. This is a blessing for video editors, whose work tends to take up several hours staring at a monitor.

10. ASUS ProArt Studiobook Pro 17 (Best 17-inch)

If you are looking for a 17” video editing laptop, we can recommend the ASUS ProArt Studiobook Pro 17.

It is a brilliant mix of competent processing, superb graphics, and a dependable build.

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This turquoise-gray laptop is powered by an Intel Xeon E-2276M processor, 32GB RAM, a 2TB SSD, and NVIDIA Quadro RTX 3000 graphics . A narrow bezel, Pantone-validation and a calibration of Delta E < 2 set the monitor apart.

The screen-to-body ratio is phenomenal: 97%. Thanks to the Independent Software Vendor (ISV) certification, you can be assured that your machine will support major video editing applications.

Balancing its power with a good degree of portability is a major triumph for this computer. Not only does it employ the MIL-STD 810G military standard for construction, but it also manages a lightweight build of 5.27lbs and 0.72”. The keyboard has a dedicated number pad to facilitate data entry or number-crunching operations.

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Video Editing on a Laptop? Is it Possible?

Let’s face it: video editing might sound glamorous and cool, but it is really quite exhausting. Whether you need to fine-tune personal movies or work as a professional video editor, you typically need a machine that is both speedy and dependable.

It needs to be competent at running editing software like Photoshop and Premiere Pro—applications that are heavy and loaded, on a good day.

Given this home truth, how practical is video editing on a laptop? As it turns out, many leading laptop manufacturers have now come up with devices that are not only capable of supporting editing pursuits but are also quite good at it!

To use your laptop as your editing partner, you need the best hardware specs that your budget will allow. For starters, this covers the CPU, RAM and storage. You will need a speedy and efficient processor, ample RAM, and plenty of storage for your multimedia files.

You also need a stellar display, several connectivity options, and a lightweight but sturdy build. That last bit becomes particularly indispensable if you are also likely to be shooting the video you will eventually edit.

When you already have a heavy bag packed to the brim with camera equipment, you really do not want a heavy laptop weighing things down further. But what you also don’t want is a flimsy device that takes up more babysitting than it is worth.

All that jazz in a laptop? Seems like a tall order, no? Of course, if your prime pursuit is going to be home-based or personal footage, you should be good with lower specifications.

But give or take some specs, you will have to navigate through some important decisions to land the perfect machine.

For example: How should you pick between an SSD and good old HDD for storage space? The read and write speeds that an SSD provides are much higher than older interfaces; however, it also comes at a premium.

Likewise, should or shouldn’t you opt for a GPU? While a dedicated GPU has features that can translate into benefits for your work (especially if your film consists of several special effects, shadows, etc.​), you might have to make the CPU vs. GPU trade-off if you are on a tight budget.

This is because video editing remains highly multi-threaded, and this is something that a powerful CPU is equipped to deal with.

That said, the bottom line is evident: video editing on a laptop is definitely possible. All you need to do is make the right decisions tailored to your requirements. Also, let it be understood that finding a budget machine that can rival a desktop in performance might be stretching it too far.

However, as the demand for multimedia-editing laptops goes up, and more players enter the market, it is reasonable to expect price cuts in the near future.

Comparing Video Editing: Laptops vs. Desktops

Not too long back, it was unthinkable that a task as complicated and resource-intensive as video editing could be performed on a laptop. But the technological world changes every so often, and this scenario is now a reality. However, while laptops are capable of this task, how competent are they? Can they match up to the power of a desktop when it comes to a job well done? Let us examine this.

Overall Performance : Typically, desktops offer better overall performance than laptops at a similar price point. Their build allows them to provide greater processing strength and more RAM and storage space, all of which come in handy for rapid editing work. This becomes even more significant if your work involves several transitions, text overlays, etc. Another bonus with desktops is their easy upgradability—something that not many laptops offer.

: Typically, desktops offer better overall performance than laptops at a similar price point. Their build allows them to provide greater processing strength and more RAM and storage space, all of which come in handy for rapid editing work. This becomes even more significant if your work involves several transitions, text overlays, etc. Another bonus with desktops is their easy upgradability—something that not many laptops offer. Longevity : Since desktops have more efficient cooling systems than laptops, they will be able to support you for longer durations. Many laptops tend to get heated up quickly when working on CPU-intensive tasks, and this seriously limits their sustainability.

: Since desktops have more efficient cooling systems than laptops, they will be able to support you for longer durations. Many laptops tend to get heated up quickly when working on CPU-intensive tasks, and this seriously limits their sustainability. Portability : If you are planning on working on your editing projects from your desk, you may not find much use from a portable, lightweight laptop that travels well. In this case, a desktop might be a smarter choice for you as it will give you greater CPU power and overall efficiencies.

: If you are planning on working on your editing projects from your desk, you may not find much use from a portable, lightweight laptop that travels well. In this case, a desktop might be a smarter choice for you as it will give you greater CPU power and overall efficiencies. Working on Multiple Screens : Video editors frequently need to consult multiple screens to get a comprehensive picture of their work. A desktop is better equipped to work with multiple screens, thereby simplifying your tasks. To derive a similar performance from a laptop, you would need to find one with abundant connectivity options.

: Video editors frequently need to consult multiple screens to get a comprehensive picture of their work. A desktop is better equipped to work with multiple screens, thereby simplifying your tasks. To derive a similar performance from a laptop, you would need to find one with abundant connectivity options. Quick Editing On The Go : Professionals need to be prepared to handle last-minute edits for that particularly discerning client. They may also need to create rough edits for presentations and samples, without getting the luxury of a workstation. Laptops are Godsends for such scenarios.

: Professionals need to be prepared to handle last-minute edits for that particularly discerning client. They may also need to create rough edits for presentations and samples, without getting the luxury of a workstation. Laptops are Godsends for such scenarios. Ergonomics: Video editing projects tend to be long and cumbersome, requiring you to sit in front of your computer for several hours. As far as ergonomics and comfort go, a desktop is a better choice. Laptops, on the other hand, are well-suited to getting things done on the move. If you are primarily going to be working on stationary projects at home or your office, getting a desktop will help you avoid occupational hazards like backaches.

Ultimately, both laptops and desktops have their highs and lows when it comes to multimedia editing. While the former score brownie points for mobility, the latter offer a premium in power and longevity.

When choosing between them, you would be well advised to weigh your day-to-day needs, requirements for travel, and budget.

Depending on the specifications that your budget allows, many contemporary laptops can be as commendable as desktops at providing a smooth editing experience.

Hardware Requirements for Video Editing

So, what are the things you need to look out for when purchasing a laptop for video editing? While an efficient processing compartment is a no-brainer, you would also want to handpick a device with a reasonably vivid display, clear sound, and plentiful options for connectivity so that you can collaborate with peers and colleagues.

We have put together a ready reckoner of essential hardware requirements that will ensure you can create and edit multimedia content smoothly. The decision to pick your end of the spectrum vis-à-vis these requirements, of course, will be dictated by your needs and budgets.

CPU

The single most important consideration while purchasing a video editing laptop is the strength of its processing compartment. To perform a CPU draining task like multimedia editing satisfactorily, the laptop needs to be equipped with a powerful processor that can handle complexities like supporting heavy duty software, facilitating transitions and special effects, etc.

The best pick for high performance is an Intel i9-10980HK CPU (at 2.40GHz). The level of performance you can expect is desktop-grade (read super smooth and up to the mark for professional endeavors).

Check out the 10 Best Intel Core i9 Laptops for Higher Video Editing Performance.

These CPUs can execute as many as 16 parallel threads with the hyper-threading technology. They also come with the advantage of turbo boosting (up to 5.3GHz in the i9-10980HK model).

A slightly more budget-friendly option is the Intel i7-10750H . It suits both personal and professional pursuits while coming in considerably cheaper than its pricier sibling. Many multimedia-friendly laptops now come with Intel i9 or i7 processors, and so fluid is their performance that you might forget you are working on a laptop.

Another alternative you can explore is getting an AMD processor. Typically, these CPUs are much more cost effective than their Intel counterparts. But they still manage to support multitasking pursuits.

We would recommend an AMD Ryzen 7 4800H CPU as a well-rounded processor for working with multimedia content.

Check out the top 10 best AMD Ryzen Laptops 2020.

It is exemplary when it comes to tackling multiple threads without drilling a hole in your pocket.

Note: Getting an AMD processor might seem like a bit of a gamble, considering it is relatively new in this space and still has miles to go to match up to the deeply entrenched expectations from an Intel component. However, AMD CPUs offer an edge in terms of future compatibility and let you experience high performance with a significantly smaller monetary investment.

GPU

A video editing laptop can reap considerable dividends from a dedicated GPU (graphics processing unit). With a GPU, you can enjoy smoother performance vis-à-vis 3D modeling, editing on various premiere applications, creating after effects, etc.

A budget-friendly GPU we highly recommend is the NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti. Based on the NVIDIA Turing architecture, this is an all-rounder GPU that will delight both professionals and hobbyists.

If you are looking for true blue excellence and have a higher budget, you can look at getting an NVIDIA GeForce RTX2060 or RTX2070 (with 6GB and 8GB dedicated memory respectively).

The RTX graphics card comes with several topnotch additions such as real-time ray tracing (where in-game light mimics the behavior of light in real life) and graphics enhanced by artificial intelligence.

On Premiere Pro, for instance, an RTX 2070 GPU gets a score of 885.5—only a tad lower than the highest score of 920.5 obtained by Titan RTX—as per a study conducted by Puget Systems, a custom computer business.

Note: Remember that if it comes to choosing between a better CPU and a high-end GPU, you would be better off prioritizing the former. Also, for editing requirements that are essentially home-based, a fancy and pricey GPU might be overkill.

RAM

The amount of RAM your laptop possesses becomes a major factor in video editing as it determines the kind of speeds and overall performance you can expect from the machine.

If you are on a budget, aim to get a laptop with at least 16GB RAM. This will help you accomplish your multimedia editing tasks comfortably (without bringing up occasions when the system comes to a standstill).

However, if your priority is performance and you have some leeway with the budget, try to fit in about 32GB of RAM. That is the gold standard when it comes to memory and turns out to be a solid investment in the long run. The difference is palpable when you are working on projects that involve several details and nuggets of tasks that can drain the processor.

Note: If you are not a professional editor and seek a laptop primarily for personal purposes, you might be able to get along with no complaint on 16GB of RAM. This configuration is sound for editing up to 4K projects (1080p), but you might be able to use background programs to a lesser extent than you can with 32GB of RAM.​

Storage

Video editing is a high-memory job; you are going to need considerable space on your system to stock your work in progress films and finished edits. It can be a challenge to get high-speed storage that is capacious enough to meet such requirements. This is why it is a solid idea to look for good old HDD (hard disk drive) as far as capacity is concerned.

For better performance, you can seek an SSD (solid state drive). Many laptops offer a mix of the two, allowing you to use an HDD to store your data and an SSD for documents you need frequently or files related to the operating system. Such a combination results in greater speeds overall, thus making your video editing experience faster and more efficient.

Another option to consider for exemplary performance is an NVME SSD (non-volatile memory express).

While these drives are expensive, the jump they offer is magnificent: up to 2500MB/s and 1000MB/s for sequential read and write respectively, as opposed to around 550MB/s offered by a SATA and 130–150MB/s in case of an HDD.

It will not be an overstatement to claim that an NVME SSD is among the highest-speed storage interface you can avail of for your laptop in the present times.

Display

This realm comprises three main buckets you need to evaluate.

Screen Size

The screen size is an important consideration in video editing laptops as you will be spending long hours staring at the display, scouting for fine details.

As a thumb rule, a 17” laptop works best for home-based use. It will provide ample real estate to render your content accurately and allow for ample space to showcase details in varied film formats. Also, a laptop with this screen size closely mimics the desktop experience, thereby increasing your comfort of usage.

However, if you intend to use your computer outside your home or office, we would recommend getting one with a 15” display.

This form factor is better suited to travel and working outside a stationary workstation. Suffice it to say, this dimension hits the sweet spot between portability and usability.

Tip: It is a good idea to double check the robustness of the display to guarantee that it can withstand transit. For instance, many laptops now come with Corning Gorilla Glass protection for the screen.

How about more mobile laptops with more compact displays? Well, anything smaller than 15” (say, a 14” or 13” laptop) is unlikely to have the kind of powerful components that you require for editing projects. They might also feel too cramped to allow you to work comfortably.

IPS Panel vs. TN Panel

Getting the right paneling is another crucial lookout in your video editing laptop. Let us first consider TN (Twisted Nematic) panels.

Their claim to fame is their rapid response time, which makes them best buddies with gamers. But while gamers might enjoy TN panels for the assistance they provide in minimizing ghosting and blurring, you are likely to experience a major downside as a video editor: poor viewing angles. With TN panels, the content tends to alter in appearance (color, contrast, etc.) with changing viewing angles. This can seriously affect your editing work.

This brings us to our recommendation for paneling: IPS (In Plane Switching).

With this option, you can edit from multiple viewing angles without experiencing distortion in your content. Further, some editors find that IPS panels also offer better color reproduction than TN panels. This is a huge help in ensuring that your work can be meticulous as well as precise.

Note: Some IPS panels might possess a glitch called the “IPS glow”— a sort of glow on the panel that is especially visible in lowly lit surroundings. However, you are unlikely to encounter this as long as you get a good quality monitor (and yes, one that is priced in the mid to high range, as opposed to the budget end of the spectrum).

Resolution

This consideration is fairly straightforward: aim to get a laptop with a screen resolution of 1920 × 1080 (2K) to extract the best overall performance. Not only is 2K compatible with various content formats, but it is also an excellent resolution to facilitate video editing projects without resulting in either eye strain or loss of detail.

But wait. Wouldn’t a 4K resolution be better suited for multimedia projects? Well, while you can opt for a laptop that offers a 3840 × 2160 resolution (4K), it might not turn out to be comfortable for everyday usage.

This is essentially because the 4K resolution tends to come with small fonts that are not well matched to popular video editing software. This font size limitation can strain your eyes —something you would want to avoid when you have truckloads of editing work to complete.

Another drawback of editing on a 4K screen is that it results in huge file sizes. You will find it a challenge to host these gigantic files online. Even if you only want to playback, you would need to have a monitor that supports 4K. A large number of video editors continue to prefer a 2K monitor for these reasons.

Weight and Portability

This is undoubtedly THE USP when it comes to video editing laptops: you get a lightweight chassis that is highly mobile, doing away with the bulk of a desktop and the difficulties of transporting it from point A to B.

Aim to get a laptop with a maximum weight of 4–5 lbs. This will not burden your shoulders and leave you with a body ache by the end of the day. It will also be sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of travel.

Remember that the while the overall weight will depend on the form factor you choose (especially the screen size), many laptop makers have prioritized cutting down on the bulk to fit more in more compact frames.

Other than being picky about the weight, also try to get a laptop that has a robust build with additional features built to enhance portability.

For instance, a backlit keyboard with a comfortable key-travel distance will let you work even in poorly lit environments or rickety public transport.

Most video editing laptops worth their salt are extensively tested to withstand extreme conditions such as high temperatures, varying altitudes, falls and vibrations, etc.

Battery Life

Given how powerful video editing laptops are, few are high on battery backup. It can be a challenge to sneak in a mighty battery in a small frame since all the other high-end processing components also take up considerable space.

However, one of the top considerations while purchasing a video editing laptop is to be able to edit on the run. As a rule of thumb, you need a machine that supports unplugged usage for at least three hours or more.

You will require this to be able to complete continuous video editing for movies, short films, and other forms of multimedia content. Also, this will liberate you from the need to stay tethered to a power station, which will, otherwise, defeat the purpose of acquiring a portable editor.

Look for a laptop with a powerful, energy-efficient battery that doesn’t drain out within minutes when you run heavy-duty editing software. It will be a bonus if you can find one that also supports quick charging; you can power up rapidly during, say, a stopover for your flight.

Some laptops now also offer upgradable or additional batteries that you can seamlessly switch between when you do run out of juice. This lets you build an editing bridge of sorts and helps you complete your project even when you are away from your workstation.

Audio

A portable laptop with a competent audio system continues to be a rarity. But solid acoustics are mandatory in a device that needs to perform video editing; how else can you capture the auditory nuances in your films? Look for a laptop with a headphone jack so that you can plug into the fine details of your content. If you have a preference for a certain headphone, double check the dimensions of the jack to make sure it will fit.

Some trustable sound systems to look out for in a video editing laptop include Waves MaxxAudio Pro, Dolby Sound, Bang & Olufsen, and Dell Cinema.

Your prime lookout is a sound output that is clear, free of distortion and loud enough. Make sure to check the delivery of the speakers and microphones during different pursuits, such as video calling and A/V playback. While your main priority might be editing, you will require reliable sound when liaising with clients or colleagues or looking through stock footage.

Tip: Do not rely only on the laptop’s external sound; many editors find it misrepresentative of minute details and lackluster when it comes to detailed, multilayered video projects.

Connectivity

Conventionally, desktops have boasted of an edge when it comes to connectivity options. With a full-purpose desktop, it is straightforward to plug into any peripherals you may need, including external displays and USB drives.

Fortunately, modern-age video editing laptops also offer features that match up. When scouting for one, aim to get at least 3–4 USB ports.

Preferably, the assortment of ports should include a Thunderbolt Type-C port for high-speed data transfer (this can provide speeds as high as 5Gbps). You will need this to share heavy video files with peers or across computers.

Also, look for an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) or display port. Since video editing involves meticulous work, you are likely to find yourself wanting several screens and external displays both for editing and presenting your work to others. Ideally, the laptop should support 2–3 displays of a reasonable resolution.

Finally, as we discussed in the audio standards, make sure the laptop of your choice has a headphone jack. You would be in a tricky spot if you had to rely only on the external sound as that would expose you to the risk of missing out on the details in your films.

Do You Need a Dedicated Video Editing Laptop?

A widespread belief in the computing world is that a gaming laptop is adequate for video editing.

After all, gaming computers usually offer powerful processors, dedicated graphics cards, and displays with high specs—everything you need to edit multimedia content. While this is true, a dedicated video editing system has some distinct advantages.

For starters, it is likelier to render your content with perfection, without fail. It will also be better suited to running graphics-intensive apps and providing you with a studio-like experience for the finest editing. An out-and-out multimedia laptop can be the closest thing you get to a workstation, which will be especially crucial if you are a professional.

That said, you need to go about selecting one of these devices with considerable caution. For instance, some gaming laptops might prioritize battery backup and a touchscreen display for gameplay on the go.

But guess which two things you probably do NOT need to worry about in a video editor? Yes, exactly those two. Video editing is extremely CPU-intensive, and it would be too much to expect substantial unplugged usage from any laptop in this league.

As for the display, few video editors find much use from a touchscreen, preferring instead to use a full-purpose keyboard and other peripherals for accurate work.

So, whether you ultimately decide to get a dedicated video editor or go with a gaming laptop, you have to be mindful of three core things: your budget (of course!), the level of precision and magnitude of power you need, and features you cannot do without.

Putting it all Together

In recent times, multimedia content generation and editing have emerged as a popular choice of profession. However, the marketplace is still limited in options that address these fields exclusively.

Apple has, of course, been around for a long time in this domain and continues to impress with the latest line of MacBooks that let you perform accurate and enviable editing. But competing brands like ASUS, Dell, HP, MSI, Lenovo and Razer have also come up with worthy offerings that help you achieve the creative glories you seek at (considerably) lower prices.

When you are out looking for a video editing laptop, keeping your priorities sorted in a mental checklist (or a paper one, for that matter) is your best bet.

So, you might want the cheapest deal if your laptop is going to be used primarily for school assignments and personal editing work (read vacation footage and home movies).

However, if your boss has an eagle’s eye for detail, you will want a laptop that supports the latest design and editing software, has a high-res display, and offers plenty of connectivity options for a workstation-like experience.

Whatever you choose, remember that when it comes to computing, your laptop can both restrict and liberate you. And, in the creative space, the freedom to maneuver is everything.

FAQs

Mac or Windows laptop for video editing? Both Mac and Windows are now popular with video editors. Traditionally, Macs have had an edge with creative professionals. They are stable, highly secure and stylish computers that offer good resale value. Many editing programs/software are designed especially for Mac OS. However, Windows laptops have become good competitors and are much cheaper.

What is a good cheap laptop for video editing? The 14” Acer Swift 3 SF314-42, priced at under $700, is a cheap pick for video editors. It runs on an AMD Ryzen 7 4700U processor, 8GB RAM and a 512GB SSD, offering a narrow-bezel display that is compatible with IPS. This 2.65lbs device also delivers long-lasting battery backup, Wi-Fi 6 and good-quality sound.

What laptops do YouTubers use? YouTubers churn out a lot of video content regularly. Their laptops must have a powerful processor to generate and edit multimedia, ample RAM (over 8GB) and storage, external ports, an engaging display, and a user-friendly keyboard. These devices must be lightweight and offer good battery backup. MacBooks, ThinkPads and Microsoft Surface laptops are some good picks for YouTubers.