Best Video Editing Laptops in 2024

Best Video Editing Laptops in 2024 Top Video Editing Laptops for 2024

Best Video Editing Laptops in 2024 Navigating the world of video editing requires a laptop that keeps up with your creativity, whether you’re at home, in the office, or on the go in a studio. We’ve rigorously tested leading models from Apple, HP, Dell, and other brands to determine the top choices for portable video editing solutions.

Our team of reviewers specializes in assessing machines tailored for creative tasks, ranging from the best laptops for photo editing to those designed for graphic design. With this expertise, we understand what features are crucial for video editing and which ones to avoid.

When it comes to editing videos on a laptop, performance can vary significantly. Many laptops lack the color accuracy and high-performance capabilities required to run demanding video editing software smoothly. That’s why opting for a dedicated video editing laptop is essential to maintain workflow efficiency on your latest projects.

The minimum specifications for a video editing laptop should include at least an Intel i5 processor or equivalent AMD Ryzen, 16GB RAM, and a 256GB SSD. For optimal performance, upgrading beyond these basics is recommended. While a 1080p display suffices for small online videos, a 4K screen with 100% DCI-P3 color space ensures that your edits match the final export accurately.

Throughout our testing and review process, we meticulously benchmarked performance, compared processing speeds, scrutinized specifications, evaluated designs and dimensions, and assessed display color accuracy across a spectrum of professional and budget-friendly video editing laptops.

Considering setting up an editing station? We also reviewed the best video editing PCs and monitors for achieving picture-perfect edits.

BEST VIDEO EDITING LAPTOP OVERALL 2024

The Apple MacBook Pro M3 Max stands out as our top choice for video editing laptops, offering swift performance and a vibrant screen housed in a sleek aluminum body that’s highly portable.

Renowned among creative professionals, MacBook Pros have consistently been our preferred option for video editing, and the latest M3-powered models are exceptional in their class. For optimal performance, the M3 Max CPU is recommended—it handles demanding tasks effortlessly.

Effectively doubling as a Mac gaming setup, the 14-inch MacBook Pro M3 Max impressed us with its speed and power, maintaining flawless performance throughout our testing. It effortlessly handled triple-A games and high-end video editing software, smoothly editing 4K 30fps video and 4K 24fps ProRes HDR content in Final Cut Pro. Moreover, it retains the convenience of a 3.5mm audio jack, which is ideal for video creators.

Retaining the classic Apple aesthetic, the MacBook Pro is impeccably crafted and visually appealing from all angles. We’ve highlighted the 14-inch model for its balance of portability and robust performance at its price point. While a 16-inch version is available for those needing a larger screen, the 13-inch option in the M3 lineup has been discontinued. The main drawback, aside from potential fan noise during intensive tasks, is its premium pricing—typical of Apple products. Investing in the MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Max is a commitment, particularly beneficial for serious video editors.

BEST BUDGET LAPTOP FOR VIDEO EDITING

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If you’re looking for the best laptop for video editing on a budget, the HP Envy x360 is a good choice. When you edit video while on the go a “convertible laptop” or 2-in-1 laptop can be handy to boost your creative process. You can use it as a tablet for previewing your source material or exploring transitions with the touch screen, then the next minute load up your complex non-linear video editor and use it with the keyboard. 

After testing out the HP Envy, we can confidently state that its 15.6-inch, full HD 1080P WLED display looks gorgeous and is more than adequate for video editing on the go. If need be, you can connect it to an external monitor or large screen TV via its HDMI or DisplayPort via USB-C. While this isn’t a 4K 17-inch screen laptop replacement, what you lose by not having an extra-large display and 4K resolution you make up for when it comes to battery life.

Packed inside is an eight-core AMD Ryzen 7 5700U with Vega graphics, a speedy CPU that makes up for the lack of a discrete GPU. In our tests, the Ryzen 7 5500U racked up impressive benchmark scores. It held its own against the more expensive 2-in-1’s running an Intel Core i7-1165G7. The Envy x360 15 also made short work of our Blender benchmarks, rendering in less than half the time of the ThinkBook 14s Yoga. Based on that, the Envy x360 15 is a good option for creatives working to a budget.

For an alternative budget laptop, we’d recommend looking for an M1 MacBook Pro or MacBook Air. You can pick up models with the older chipset at cheaper prices now and they’re still creative powerhouses for video editing.  

BEST 4K VIDEO EDITING LAPTOP

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Reasons to Buy:

• Excellent performance for editing
• Beautiful, sleek design
• Fantastic 4K display

Reasons to Avoid:

• Expensive
• 720p webcam

The XPS 17 stands out as a formidable choice for the best video editing laptop, especially for Windows users seeking robust performance and a stunning display. Its 4K UHD+ screen, boasting a 16:10 aspect ratio and IPS panel, offers exceptional color accuracy with a 0.24 Delta-E and wide coverage of 188.8% sRGB and 133.7% DCI-P3 color spaces. Encased in a sleek machined aluminum chassis with a comfortable carbon fiber keyboard surround, it exudes durability and style ideal for long editing sessions.

However, it’s important to note some drawbacks. The XPS 17 is sizable and weighs 5.37 lbs (2.44 kg), making it less portable. Battery life, lasting just over nine hours, is adequate but not exceptional for extended mobile use. Furthermore, despite its brightness of around 500 nits, the webcam’s 720p resolution is underwhelming for a laptop in this price range. Comparatively, the MacBook Pro achieves up to 1600 nits with appropriate content.

Even the base configuration (FHD non-touch screen, Intel i7, 16GB RAM) delivers ample power for basic video editing tasks, showcasing the XPS 17’s overall prowess in performance..

BEST LAPTOP FOR VIDEO EDITING ON THE

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The Apple M2-powered laptop impresses with its sleek new design, robust performance driven by an 8-core CPU and integrated 10-core GPU, and extended battery life. Featuring a 13.6-inch screen and ample 1TB SSD storage, it offers a larger display for enhanced usability. However, some may find the new color options somewhat subdued compared to previous models, which might still offer better overall value.

The MacBook Air strikes an impressive balance of portability and performance, weighing just 2.7 lb / 1.24 kg, making it one of the best laptops for video editing in terms of mobility. Designed with on-the-go video editors, photographers, and designers in mind, it boasts a sleek and slim profile that’s both aesthetically pleasing and highly portable, fitting easily into any bag.

However, its compact size comes with compromises, primarily in screen real estate. Featuring a 13.6-inch display with a resolution of 2560×1664, the MacBook Air may not offer the expansive workspace needed for extensive video editing tasks.

In terms of performance, the MacBook Air M2 impresses. Our tests showed it handles 4K video editing effortlessly while maintaining near-silent operation. For professionals, opting for upgraded configurations beyond the base model is advisable, albeit at a higher cost.

For those seeking affordability without sacrificing performance, the older MacBook Air M1 remains a compelling option for video editing tasks.

Best Video Editing Laptops in 2024

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