Best Laptops for Video Editing in 2024 – Top Tested Picks
Years ago, video editing tools were confined to Hollywood studios, but now they’re accessible to anyone with the right laptop. The best laptops for video editing empower you to stay creative whether you’re at home, in the office, or on the go.
Video editing requires significant processing power, and a durable, high-performance laptop ensures a smooth workflow when handling large footage files. You’ll also need a crisp, color-accurate display for editing precision.
After testing over 100 laptops, we’ve selected the top performers for video editors. Below you’ll find models ideal for creators, professionals, and YouTubers alike.
Quick Tip: For serious video editing, aim for a laptop with at least an Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 16GB RAM, and a 256GB SSD. For professional work, a 4K screen with 100% DCI-P3 color coverage is ideal.
In a Hurry? Here Are Our Top 3 Picks
If you’re short on time, these three laptops stand out as the best for video editing in 2024.
1. Microsoft Surface Pro 2-in-1 Laptop (2024)
Key Features:
- 13" Touchscreen OLED Display
- Snapdragon X Elite (12 Core) CPU
- 16GB RAM, 256GB Storage
- Integrated ARM Mali-T604 Graphics
- 14 Hours of Battery Life
Why It’s the Best Video Editing Laptop
The Surface Pro 2-in-1 shines with its powerful Snapdragon X Elite processor and vibrant OLED touchscreen. Its 2-in-1 design offers flexibility, while AI Copilot+ features enhance workflow efficiency. Perfect for editing on the go.
- High-performance processor
- Excellent OLED display
- Lightweight and portable
- AI-enhanced productivity
- Limited storage options in base model
- Keyboard sold separately
2. HP Pavilion 17.3" Touchscreen Laptop
Key Features:
- AMD Ryzen 5 7530U Processor
- 64GB RAM, 2TB NVMe SSD
- 17.3" HD+ Touchscreen
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3
The HP Pavilion stands out with its massive RAM and large storage—ideal for heavy video projects. Though not 4K, the display is bright and functional for most editing workflows.
- 64GB RAM for multitasking
- Fast SSD storage
- Large touchscreen display
- Lower resolution display
- Less portable
3. Apple MacBook Pro (M3 Pro, 2023)
Key Features:
- 14.2" Liquid Retina XDR Display
- M3 Pro Chip (11-core CPU, 14-core GPU)
- 18GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD
- Up to 18 Hours of Battery Life
The MacBook Pro M3 Pro delivers exceptional color accuracy and editing speed. Its display and performance make it the top-tier choice for professional editors using Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere.
- Outstanding performance and display
- Premium build quality
- Long battery life
- Expensive
- Limited upgrade options
How We Tested the Best Laptops for Video Editing
We tested over 50 laptops using professional software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Filmora, and Canva. Each model was evaluated for processing power, color accuracy, storage speed, and battery life under editing workloads.
We also considered portability, build quality, and real-world usability for editors working remotely or in studios.
Our Top Budget Picks for Video Editing
1. HP 14" Laptop – Best for YouTube Editing
- Intel Core i7-1355U Processor
- 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
- Full HD Display, Windows 11 Home
This lightweight HP laptop combines solid performance with affordability. It’s ideal for YouTubers editing 1080p content efficiently.
- Fast performance with i7 processor
- Vibrant Full HD display
- Lightweight and quiet operation
- Limited storage
- Small screen size
2. Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH – Best Budget Laptop for Video Editing
- AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Processor
- 8GB LPDDR5 RAM, 128GB NVMe SSD
- 15.6" Full HD IPS Display
A dependable option for beginners or budget editors. The Acer Aspire 3 offers great performance at a wallet-friendly price.
- Fast NVMe SSD
- Good display quality
- Lightweight build
- Limited storage
- Integrated graphics
3. Apple MacBook Air (M3, 2024) – Best Under $1000
- 15.3" Liquid Retina Display
- M3 Chip with 8-core CPU
- 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD
The MacBook Air M3 offers top-tier performance under $1000. It’s perfect for creators who want speed, color accuracy, and portability.
4. HP 2023 17" Laptop – Best HP Laptop for Video Editing
- AMD Ryzen 7 7730U Processor
- 16GB RAM, 2TB SSD
- 17.3" HD+ Touchscreen
With powerful specs and massive storage, this HP model is a productivity powerhouse. It’s especially good for editors handling large video projects.
FAQs About Laptops for Video Editing
Which laptop is good for video editing?
A laptop with at least an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor, 16GB RAM, and SSD storage is ideal. Models like the MacBook Pro, Dell XPS, and ASUS ROG are popular choices.
Are gaming laptops good for video editing?
Yes. Gaming laptops often have powerful GPUs and CPUs, making them excellent for video editing tasks.
What’s the best laptop for 4K video editing under $1000?
Look for models with dedicated GPUs like the NVIDIA GTX 1650 or AMD Radeon RX 5500M, and at least 16GB RAM for smooth 4K editing.
Which MacBook is best for video editing?
The MacBook Pro with M3 Pro or M3 Max chip offers professional-grade performance and exceptional display quality.
Is HP Envy good for video editing?
Yes, HP Envy laptops with higher-end configurations (Core i7/Ryzen 7, 16GB RAM, SSD) are excellent for mid to high-level editing tasks.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re an aspiring YouTuber or a professional filmmaker, investing in the right laptop for video editing is crucial. From the affordable Acer Aspire 3 to the premium MacBook Pro M3, these models ensure a seamless and creative editing experience in 2024 and beyond.
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