As people are moving from text to photos, and from photos to videos, video editing is a necessity which is being offered almost anywhere you bat your eyes at. Of course, for successful video editing, you’ll require the best laptop for video editing in 2023 you can get your hands to.
We’ve met a lot of people who are successful video editors and they have really valuable skills, however, not all of them have a lot of knowledge when it comes to laptops (and that’s okay).
In fact, we feel even better helping people from all walks of life. And in this post, all video editors who are looking for their next best laptop will be able to choose one of 5 laptops we’ve tested and recommended in this post, or get an idea on how to find a powerful laptop on their own.
Recommendation for March 2023
- MacBook Pro – Best Apple MacBook Pick
- Asus VivoBook S15 – Best Laptop For Video Editing Under $1000
- Dell XPS 9570 – Best Windows Pick
- Acer Aspire 5 – Best Budget Laptop For Video Editing
- Alienware AW17R4 – For 4K Video Editing
- Razer Blade 15 – Best For Showcasing 4K Content
- Asus ROG Zephyrus S – Ultra Slim Option
- Microsoft Surface Book 3 – 2-in-1 Option
- HP ZBook 15v G5 – All-Around Workstation
- MSI P65 Creator – Best For 3D Editing & Animation
best laptops for video editing in 2023
Apple MacBook Pro 16” – Best Apple MacBook Pick
To get the fastest and the most responsive speed, MacBook Pro is equipped with one of the latest quad-core Intel i7 2.6GHz processors which can be boosted all the way up to 4.8GHz.
The Turbo Boost feature is something that really helps during the long video rendering hours. It will withstand the longest and the most demanding tasks any video editor can face.
Even though MacBook Pro 16″ is quite big, it’s very thin and lightweight – yet there is an Intel HD Graphics 630 that works very well in combination with the processor.
There’s also 16GB of RAM memory for the quickest speed at any given moment. Combine it with a 512 GB SSD storage and you will get a laptop that boots within seconds and is ready to get some work done in less than a minute.
It’s a Retina display that offers a resolution of 3072 pixels by 1920 pixels which is incredibly precise for video editing.
No matter if you’re working during a day, night, or even outdoors, the Retina display will always optimize well to your surroundings and provide you the best brightness and colors to prevent your eyes from becoming tired.
Recommended Configuration For MacBook Pro 16”
CPU: Intel Core i7-9th Gen| Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630| RAM: 16GB RAM | Screen: 16-inch 3072×1920 Retina display| Storage: 512GB SSD| Operating System: Mac OS| Battery Life: up to 11 hours | Weight: 4.3 lbs
Asus VivoBook S515 – Best Laptop For Video Editing Under $1000
Video editing doesn’t only requires a large screen, but it requires a screen that is very well made with a great panel that offers a great resolution.
If you happen to find such a laptop, you won’t need to bother getting help from an external monitor. Asus VivoBook S comes with a NanoEdge technology that features a WideView display.
This means that the screen can be viewed from 178 degrees around and that the bezel is ultra-narrow in order to put all the focus to the screen with minimal distractions. Actually, such bezel features an 80% screen-to-body ratio.
The display is very color-rich and is 15.6″ big which is very decent for video editing.
If you want to never experience a limitation or a problem during video editing, no matter which software you use and how many of them do you have open at the same time – Asus VivoBook S’s configuration is optimized to deal with everything you throw at it.
This laptop comes with the latest Intel i7 -10510U processor, 8GB of RAM, and double storage. It features both 256GB SSD and 1 TB HDD which is a really great move from Asus.
It gives you more storage freedom on the HDD, while you run everything important on the SSD.
Combine all these components with an Intel HD graphics card, and you have everything necessary for long hours of video editing.
Recommended Configuration For Asus VivoBook S512
CPU: Intel Core i7-10510U| Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics| RAM: 8GB RAM | Screen: 15.6-inch 1920×1080 FHD display| Storage: 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD| Operating System: Windows 10| Battery Life: up to 7 hours | Weight: 3.97 lbs
Dell XPS 9570 – Best Windows Pick
Dell XPS 9570 comes with some of the best components you can probably find in 2018, and surprisingly, Dell did an amazing job in adding them in such a thin and compact laptop.
You’ll find an Intel Core i7-8750H processor which has amazing 6 cores that can be boosted up to 4.1GHz.
There’s also 32 GB DDR4 RAM, and 1 TB of SSD for the fastest storage. But what is surprising is that there is a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050Ti graphics card.
When you look at the Dell XPS 9570 from the outside, you’ll see a very stylish, thin, and lightweight laptop. If you didn’t know that XPS 9570 features such components inside, you would never believe it.
15.6″ 4K display won’t only leave you with the stunning views on anything you do with this laptop, but it will also allow you to get into the action with the TouchDisplay feature.
The screen size is very decent, and what’s even better is the resolution it offers, which is 3840 pixels by 2160 pixels.
But the end result is a very compact and powerful laptop that can run any software, deal with any video editing process with ease and crucial speed which is really important for the users.
Recommended Configuration For Dell XPS 9570
CPU: Intel Core i7-8550U| Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050| RAM: 32GB RAM | Screen: 15.6-inch 3840×2160 UHD InfinityEdge Touch display| Storage: 1TB SSD| Operating System: Windows 10| Battery Life: up to 6 hours | Weight: 4 lbs
Acer Aspire 5 – Best Budget Laptop For Video Editing
For the value Acer Aspire 5 costs, it’s easy to notice that this laptop offers a powerful processing thanks to the 10th generation of an Intel Core i5 processor.
Along with the improved power, the battery life of Acer Aspire 5 is really satisfying which is just another reason to use it for your video editing tasks.
There’s also an NVIDIA GeForce MX250 dedicated graphics card which has its own 2GB RAM for better processing power and speed.
Combine it with an additional 8 GB of RAM, and you will get a quick and fast laptop that isn’t only going to serve you as an entertainment laptop, but also as a powerful video editing station.
It features a 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution on a widescreen LED-lit IPS display that makes the image stand out from the screen no matter if you’re watching a video, looking through photos, gaming, or doing anything else.
Recommended Configuration For Acer Aspire 5
CPU: Intel Core i5-10210U| Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce MX250| RAM: 8GB RAM | Screen: 15.6-inch 1920×1080 FHD IPS display| Storage: 512GB SSD| Operating System: Windows 10| Battery Life: up to 5 hours | Weight: 5.99 lbs
Alienware AW17R4 – For 4K Video Editing
Everything about Alienware 17 says speed. No matter if you look at the configuration, design, screen, operating system and more, you’ll get the same based-results which are speed.
The combination of i7 processor, 8 GB of RAM which can be upgraded to 32 GB of RAM and not one but two storage disks.
The first storage disk is 256 GB SSD storage that is made for the system, the most important programs & files, and then there’s a 1 TB HDD storage (the fastest HDD storage of up to 7200RPM) for other file storage.
You can think of Alienware 17 as a tank that will get you through everything at the highest speeds possible.
What’s special about Alienware 17 is that it provides users with the best performance through the configuration it has, but it’s also made in a way to make sure that configuration doesn’t overheat and causes problems in performance.
Recommended Configuration For Alienware AW17R4
CPU: Intel Core i7-7700HQ| Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060| RAM: 8GB RAM | Screen: 17.3-inch 1920×1080 FHD IPS Display with Tobii IR Eye-Tracking| Storage: 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD| Operating System: Windows 10| Battery Life: up to 8 hours | Weight: 9.7 lbs
Razer Blade 15 – Best For Showcasing 4K Content
One of the most beautiful displays in the list is the Razer Blade 15 that features s stunning 4K display with a 60Hz refresh rate, perfect for showcasing 4K contents.
With its cutting edge NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 graphics it is up for any tasks and demanding projects, while the powerful Core i7 makes sure you have the power to make it all done with smooth experience.
The 16GB RAM makes sure you can multitask without getting laggy, while the 128GB SSD makes sure the device boots up so fast and the 1TB HDD gives you plenty of room for your big files to store on.
We also like the fact that this laptop has so many ports — it has three USB-A ports, one HDMI 2.0 port, a Mini DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 3 port, and a headphone jack, so much for versatility.
The meatal body looks sensational and very premium which is rather true, all in all this is one great laptop for video editing.
Recommended Configuration For Razer Blade 15
CPU: Intel Core i7-9750H| Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660| RAM: 16GB RAM | Screen: 15.6-inch 1920×1080 FHD 60Hz display| Storage: 128GB SSD + 1TB HDD| Operating System: Windows 10| Battery Life: up to 5 hours | Weight: 4.63 lbs
Asus ROG Zephyrus S – Ultra Slim Option
Gaming laptops are great for another use too and one of that is video editing, with powerful specs that the Asus ROG Zephyrus offers this laptop can easily be picked as video editing machine.
Inside a very thin and lightweight laptop is a powerful Core i7 processor backed by NVIDIA RTX 2080 that allows you to do any heavy tasks including video editing with ease, while the 16GB RAM ensures a smooth multitasking experience.
The IPS display is perfect for color accuracy when doing some editing and rendering is never a problem considering the specs.
Even after long hours of editing this laptop stays cool thanks to its ROG Active Aerodynamics Systems, it also comes with anti-dust tunnels to preserve cooling performance and system stability.
All that power in a very sleek, lightweight, and compact laptop. Surely a great choice for those who want to do more and go more.
Recommended Configuration For Asus ROG Zephyrus S
CPU: Intel Core i7-8750H| Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080| RAM: 16GB RAM | Screen: 15.6-inch 1920×1080 FHD IPS display| Storage: 512GB SSD| Operating System: Windows 10| Battery Life: up to 4 hours | Weight: 4.63 lbs
Microsoft Surface Book 3 – 2-in-1 Option
This amazing 2in1 laptop is packed with power that can get things done, video editing is one of them. It can also use for any graphics designing so this is very good for multitasking.
Inside a very thin body is a powerful AMD Ryzen 5 processor and AMD Radeon Vega 9 graphics card to make sure you have enough power for video editing and other graphics activities.
It comes with 8GB RAM, perfect for multitasking so you won’t freeze while switching between tasks.
The laptop has a matte metallic look that is so classy and looks so premium, but its not just all looks it has power too.
The display on this laptop is superb for the immersive visual experience, while there are many ports for external peripheral if you opt to use one.
Go active all day with its 11.5-hour battery life which is perfect for those who move a lot while working.
Recommended Configuration For Microsoft Surface Book 3
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5| Graphics: AMD Radeon Vega 9| RAM: 8GB RAM | Screen: 15-inch 2490×1664 HD display| Storage: 256GB SSD| Operating System: Windows 10| Battery Life: up to 5 hours | Weight: 3.4 lbs
HP ZBook 15v G5 – All-Around Workstation
If you wish to buy the most robust laptop that could be your all-around workstation then go for HP’s workstation series. One notable laptop is the ZBook 25v that is packed with power but cheaper than others.
The cutting edge NVIDIA Quadro P600 graphics card on this machine is powerful than ever so any video editing, rendering, or any heavy tasks is just a piece of cake on this machine. Backed by Intel Core i7 processor to make sure you got power for everything you do.
While the 16GB RAM makes sure you have a smooth sail on multitasking, not to mention the Ultra HD display on this laptop that is perfect for visuals.
You can actually choose from 1TB SSD + 1TB HDD to 2TB SSD and HDD but we chose the base version which has 256GB SSD, you opt for other options if you need enormous storage.
The keyboard and trackpad of this laptop is very comfortable, while the touchscreen is there if you wish to navigate faster.
Recommended Configuration For HP ZBook 15v G5
CPU: Intel Core i7-8750H| Graphics: NVIDIA Quadro P600| RAM: 16GB RAM | Screen: 15-inch 1920×1080 FHD Touch display| Storage: 256GB SSD| Operating System: Windows 10| Battery Life: up to 10 hours | Weight: 4.72 lbs
MSI P65 Creator – Best For 3D Editing & Animation
The MSI P65 Creator is named creator for a reason, it can create everything you want to create from photo manipulation, video editing, and rendering to 3d animations. Name a tasks and MSI creator can handle that.
This laptop is powered by a powerful Core i7 processor and a massive 32GB RAM so you can take on any heavy tasks you working on.
The NVIDIA RTX 2060 graphics card makes any rendering easy and smooth, you can even edit videos while still rendering others!
For people who need more storage, the MSI Creator comes with 1TB SSD so you won’t need to buy extra external storage and you have room for everything for files and work applications to even games.
The 4K UHD display is just perfect for any editing you do, you can do it with precision and everything is crisp from images to videos.
Recommended Configuration For HP ZBook 15v G5
CPU: Intel Core i7-9750H| Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060| RAM: 32GB RAM | Screen: 15.6-inch 3840×2160 UHD 4K display| Storage: 1TB SSD| Operating System: Windows 10| Battery Life: up to 8 hours | Weight: 8.28 lbs
Picking The Best Laptops For Video Editing In 2023
Powerful Performance
When it comes to video editing, Intel processors have always been leading the industry.
Paying attention to the components of the laptop you’re choosing is very necessary in order to get the best possible laptop for video editing purpose.
Other than processors, a powerful graphics card is necessary for any type of video rendering, and of course, RAM for better speed and SSD storage for quick and reliable data storage.
Comfortable Size & Resolution for Work
While one size might work for, let’s say, writers, when it comes to video editing, people are even getting external monitors to help themselves out.
The latest research we did resulted in over 80% people who edit videos to recommend at least 15″, if not 17″ laptops for video editing.
But it’s not all in the size of a screen. There’s much more to its panel which results in the image quality. Also, the bigger the resolution is – the better & easier video editing experience will be for sure.
Precise Touchpad
Even though most video editors help themselves with an external mouse or any other precise trackpad, at least 40% of video editors who use the laptop for their video editing purpose, still depend on the laptop’s trackpad.
Therefore, the trackpad is one of the most important factors when it comes to choosing a laptop. Nowadays, some of the best trackpads come with a multi-gestures feature that allows editors to fully take control over their software with a few controls.
Lots of Storage
Needless to say, video editing requires a lot of storage due to all files you require to store, edit, upload, move and use during the process. When you think that the specific amount of storage is enough, it’s better to double it because you never know.
If you aren’t equipped with a fiber internet connection, uploading large video documents might not be a great opportunity, yet you’ll have to store everything on your laptop.
Along with the storage capacity, the type of storage is crucial. For video editors, we require to make a step from HDD to SSD and only choose a laptop that comes with SSD type of storage nowadays. It’s an inexpensive way of having speed & better productivity combined.
Connectivity & Ports
There’s not one video editor who doesn’t have at least one external gadget or peripheral. The point is that video editors are most likely to use external devices, gadgets, and peripherals.
If not, external storage or flash drives will be necessary to move or store lots of work-related data. It’s the best to equip yourself with a laptop that has many ports, microSD reader, HDMI port, and even a LAN port when you want to take the most of your super-quick internet.
Also, the latest generation of wireless and Bluetooth connectivity is crucial to stay on point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which OS Is The Best For Video Editors And Video Editing Software?
Usually the most known and the most common software are suitable for video editors since the biggest and the best companies always make their software compatible with at least two operating systems. Therefore, we would highly recommend you to go with either Windows or Mac OS.
How Important Is The Configuration For Video Editing Software?
The configuration is everything. It’s really important. It’s true that almost any laptop computer can run software that you’re most likely using, but there’s a big difference in running the software and having it fully operational without a single error or a slow-down. Therefore, paying attention is something very important to do when you’re choosing your new laptop for video editing purposes.
Should You Invest In A Laptop With A Better Display Or Not?
If you’re not on an extremely tight budget, we’d recommend you to look for a laptop that comes with at least a full HD display. However, nowadays, even some budget laptops come with IPS panel displays which are really worth the value. You want to have the best view and nothing in between you and the work you’re doing through video editing.
What Laptop Do Most YouTubers Use?
YouTubers needs its videos to be the best quality so they use powerful laptops like MacBook Pro and other powerful Windows laptop like the one’s stated above the list. Typically they go for at least 8GB RAM and has dedicated graphics card which is crucial for rendering videos.
How Much RAM Do I Need For 4k Video Editing?
A minimum for basic quality is 8GB RAM while for HD is 16GB. For 4K or 6K editing, the minimum is 32GB or more. Storage speed is crucial in 4k editing, data must be accessible quickly to both CPU and RAM.
Is i5 Or i7 Better For Video Editing?
The only reason you should go for i5 is that if you are new to video editing or you want a cheaper option, also i5 is a viable option if you wish to edit 1080P while 2K and 4K will result in poor performance.
The i7 is better if you wish to do some high-quality editing just like 2K and 4K but always consider the RAM size too.
Can You Edit 4K Video On A 1080p Laptop?
Most editing happens on proxies, so working at a lower resolution for editing is not an issue. If you are working offline you don’t need a 4K resolution to edit 4K videos but if you do it online, you need a 4K monitor to make it work while swapping original/hire footage before export.
Resources
1. Odin Lindblom, Editing in 4K: Minimum System Requirements, Videomaker, February 14, 2016
2. Caleb Ward, How to Pick the Perfect Laptop for Video Editing, RocketStock, July 10, 2015
3. Intel, Best Laptop for Video Editing, Intel, Unknown