For those who need the best video editing laptops, not just any portable device will do. Even though you can spend a lot on the fastest laptop, it won’t guarantee that you have the best tools for editing, color correction, and/or rendering your videos. You will need strong internals, including a strong graphicscard, and a fast RAM.
However, if you are a professional, you will need to choose the more expensive models to run complex programs such as Adobe Premiere and DaVinci resolve.
There are still a few things you should check off your list. Displays with high contrast, high brightness, and the correct color space are essential (Rec. DCI-P3 and 709 are the most common standards for colorists and video editors. Your laptop should have a monitor that you can connect to. This is especially important for those times when you are on the road or out in the field.
Make sure your laptop is compatible with all the apps that you use in your day to work, including video converter software, DVD burning software, and video editors.
These laptops were compared on many factors such as their size, their power, RAM, storage capacity, and expandability. We also looked at how fast the systems started up, video resolution and connectivity features.
We’ve put together a list of the top laptops for video editing. This includes options for different budgets as well as some of the most powerful mobile workstations.
These are the top 2022 video editing laptops
The MacBook Pro 16 inch (2021) is powered either by Apple’s Soc 10 core M1 Pro SoC or M1 Max SoC. (Image credit: Apple)
1. MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021)
Apple video editors: Best laptops for editing videos
Specifications
CPU: Apple M1 Pro 10-core – M1 Max 10-core
Graphics: Integrated 16 core – 32 core GPU
RAM: 64GB
Screen: 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
Storage: Maximum 8TB
There are many reasons to buy
+Extremely long battery lifespan+Plenty ports
Avoidable reasons
-On the larger side
The largest of Apple’s Pro laptops has about the same performance as you would expect from a notebook. It is powered by either Apple Soc 10-core Pro or M1 Max SoC (system-on-a-chip). You get 8 performance cores and two efficiency cores of processing power. Additionally, because it’s a system-on-a-chip, 16 or 32 cores handle your graphics. This beast can handle any project with up to 64GB RAM (32 if the M1 Pro is used). You don’t need an additional drive to store your SSD. This is if you are willing to pay.
The only problem with the MacBook Pro 16 inch (2021) is its high price. There are cheaper options available if you require more power than the base 16-Inch model. It is also slightly heavier at 4.7 pounds (or 2.1 kilograms), making it less portable than the 14 inch model. There are many other options.
If you are willing to spend more and carry the extra weight, the M1 chips offer much more than the performance. This stunning mini-LED XDR screen has 254 pixels per inch and up to 1600 nits peak brightness. It’s easy to use. The notebook also has 3 Thunderbolt 4 ports and an HDMI port. There is also an SDXC card slot and the return MagSafe port. This means that all Thunderbolt ports can be used even while charging. The battery life is exceptional, especially for a larger notebook.
The XPS 17 is a 4K-enabled laptop that also features video editing capabilities.
2. Dell XPS 17 9710
Overall, the best: A large 4K UHD display in a small package with desktop-level performance.
Specifications
CPU: Intel I9-11900H – 8 Cores
Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX3060 6GB, 3584 CUDA Cores
RAM: 32GB
Screen: 4K UHD screen
Storage: 1 TB PCIe SSD (M.2 2280)
There are many reasons to buy
+4K UHD touch screen+Fastest eight core CPU
Avoidable reasons
Only Thunderbolt ports-Expensive
It used to be difficult to edit 4K video on a laptop that had the same power and UHD display as a desktop computer. But it’s now possible. It packs an Intel i9-11900H processor and a powerful Nvidia RTX3060 graphics chip, 32 GB memory, and a fast and generous 1TB SSD.
It looks stunning: The laptop has a silver aluminum lid and bottom, and a black soft touch deck interior. Palm rests are also coated with carbon fiber. The keyboard features Dell’s signature backlit design. The four Thunderbolt 4 ports (USB-C), which also provide power, allow for expansion. It is ideal for connecting external solid state drives or HDDs in order to complete your final video workload. You can also do it wirelessly via Wi-Fi to the cloud
This laptop has a UHD display, which is essential for 4K video editing. The thin screen surrounds what Dell calls the 4-side InfinityEdge display. This allows you to have the largest possible screen without having to enlarge the rest of your laptop. Direct orders can take up to weeks. The firm warns of “industry-wide, unprecedented components shortages” and directs users to the page
3. HP Omen 15 Gaming Laptop
A portable, quick editing machine that isn’t too expensive offers the best value for money
Specifications
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX – 8 Cores
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX3070, 5888 CUDA Cores. (Selected Version)
RAM: 16GB
Screen: QHD 15.4-inch screen
Storage: 1TB SSD
There are many reasons to buy
+Great value for money+A selection of traditional ports
Avoidable reasons
-Flimsy chassis
Gaming laptops are perfect for video editing because modern games require a lot of resources in terms CPU, RAM, and GPU. It is marketed at gamers, but it has a professional-looking matte black casing that can be taken to work. It has two video outputs, HDMI and MiniDisplay. This means that you can hook it up to many TVs and monitors.
It is half the cost of most high-end workstation-level laptops. It packs a top-of-the-line processor and GPU. The AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX has eight cores. Nvidia GeForce RTX3070 will give you an extra speed boost for video rendering. Adobe Premiere now supports GPU assisted encoding and decoding.
The 15.4-inch 2K (QHD) or quad high resolution display will allow video editors to get the most from complex applications such as DaVinci Resolve. It also has a 2560x1440pixel resolution which allows you to preview video up until 2K in high detail.
It’s got plenty of expandability. You’ll find a Gigabit Ethernet connection on the left, along with an HDMI port and one USB-A port. There’s also a charging and headphone port. One USB-C port, two USB A ports, and a Mini DisplayPort are located on the right.
4. Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M1, 2021)
Apple’s best portable M1 MacBook
Specifications
CPU: Apple M1 Pro 8-core – M1 Max 10-core
Graphics: Integrated GPU with 14-core or 32-core CPU
RAM: 16 – 32GB (M1 Max), 16 – 64GB (M1 Pro)
Screen: 14.2-inch (M1 Pro)
Storage: 512GB SSD – 8TB SSD
There are many reasons to buy
+Superb graphics and performance+Gorgeous display
Avoidable reasons
-Notch at top of display
Apple’s latest update to its Pro line can be powered either by the 8-core M1 Pro chips or the 10-core M1 Max chips. These chips have six or eight performance cores, and two efficiency cores. The M1 Pro and M1 Max new chips are twice as fast than the Intel Core i9 in MacBook Pro 16-inch (2019). The M1 silicon contains memory, so the choice of CPU determines how much RAM you can have. The M1 Pro has 32GB RAM and the M1 Max 64GB.
Apple calls its display Liquid Retina XDR. It measures 14.2 inches and can display a resolution of 3024×1964 at a 120Hz refresh speed. Three Thunderbolt 4 ports are available for expansion, as well as one HDMI port and an SDXC card slot. This comes at a high price, as the new model is heavier and thicker. The new MacBook Pro 14 inch with M1 Pro chip is 3.5lbs (1.6kg).
Apple’s benchmark performance numbers are impressive using multiple video editors. “Up to 9.2x faster render 4K in Final Cut Pro with M1 Pro and up to 13.4x quicker with M1 Max. DaVinci Resolve Studio can render effect faster than M1 Pro, up to 3.6x with M1 Max and up to 5x with M1 Max.
5. Dell Latitude 7424
Best video editing laptops for outdoor and rugged use
Specifications
CPU: Intel I7-8650U – 4 Cores
Graphics: Radeon RX540
RAM: 16GB
Screen: 14 inch FHD WVA (1920×1080) Outdoor-Readable Screen
Storage: 512 GB SSD
There are many reasons to buy
+Water resistant+Expandable+Hard as an armored vehicle+Internal 4G/LTE modem option
Avoidable reasons
-Heavy-Limited GPU -Small 14 inch screen
You might need to edit video outdoors in dusty, wet or dangerous environments. A rugged laptop is a great option. These laptops are built with thicker enclosures that can withstand harsh environments such as military, construction, and industrial.
This beast was designed by Dell to go beyond the ordinary. It is drop-tested at 6 feet for impact resistance and has an IP 65 rating. This means that it is protected against water spray, water condensation, and low pressure water jets. Unfortunately, the Jacques Costeau lovers will not be able to use it underwater.
Its multi-touch Full HD display can be used in direct sunlight. You will need to connect the smaller screen to an external display. However, this is possible due to its multitude of ports. It includes HDMI, VGA and DisplayPort secondary connectors, as well as USB-C.
You can also use the online configurator to have your machine customized with additional storage and ports, as you do with all Dell systems. You can store up to 3 removable M.2 SSDs. A secondary battery is required when you add the AMD discrete GPU to replace the Intel HD graphics. If you don’t need it, the default configuration comes with an internal 4G LTE modem. You can also add a fingerprint reader or smartcard reader to your configuration.
This system does not support Adobe Premiere. Adobe lists 2GB as the minimum video memory required for its NLVE. The system meets that specification narrowly.
This beast of a 17-inch 4K monitor packs all the power and functionality of a desktop computer, but is compact enough to fit into a laptop. (Image credit: Lenovo)
6. Lenovo ThinkPad P17 Mobile Workstation
The best video editing laptop for power users: A powerful mobile workstation
Specifications
CPU: Intel Xeon W-108555M – 6 Cores /12 Threads
Graphics: Nvidia Quadro RTX4000 and 2304 CUDA cores
RAM: 64 GB
Screen: 17.3″ UHD (3840×2160).
Storage: 1 TB PCIe SSD
There are many reasons to buy
+Desktop-level workstation performance+4K UHD screen+Excellent expandability+Multiple configurations available
Avoidable reasons
-Heavy and bulky -Short battery life
This is a mobile workstation . This system can be extended to levels that are not possible with a standard laptop. This system, for example, has four sockets. Most laptops only have one or two RAM sockets. There are also two M.2 SSD slots.
Do you need to edit 4K video at 60 frames per second using dual 4K monitors Sure, no problem. The 3840×2160 17.3-inch anti-glare screen is sharp and crisp, making this beast capable of handling all that. We have chosen 64GB RAM to double the recommended settings for Davinci Resolve, the high-end nonlinear video editor.
This laptop is available with a variety of CPU options, including Xeon and Intel Core processors. You can also get Nvidia Quadro GPU options. A popular choice for video editing is to purchase it with two 2TB SSDs. OPAL encryption is also available. You can go wild with Lenovo’s online configurator.
It has four USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, two Thunderbolt 3 ports, USB C, Gigabit Ethernet, and HDMI 2.0 ports for expandability. It has its own power socket due to its power requirements.
Although its battery life may be short, have you ever seen its size? It can be moved around. It can be carried around in a backpack. However, if you want to edit 4K video on a 17-inch screen, it is the best choice.
7. Razer Blade 14
The best video editing laptop for portability
Specifications
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX – 8 Cores
Graphics: Nvidia RTX3070
RAM: 16GB
Screen: 14-inch QHDIPS, 165Hz
Storage: SSDs up to 512GB
There are many reasons to buy
+Price to performance+Good battery life+Lightweight in its class
Avoidable reasons
Thunderbolt is not supported by the Ethernet-USB C ports.
AdvertisementSkip advert
The Razer Blade14 is the perfect combination of power and portability. It features NVIDIA’s RTX3070 discrete GPU, AMD’s most recent processor and a 14-inch display. The package weighs in at less than four pounds (1.77 kg).
Although it is marketed as a gaming laptop the CNC machined aluminum case looks professional and stylish. It features a stunning Quad-HD display (QHD, sometimes called 2K) with a resolution 2,560 x 1,440 pixels.
This laptop’s eight-core AMD CPU and Nvidia GPU combine to give it enough power to handle the most complex non-linear video editors. The RAM cannot be upgraded by users. The good news about the SSD is that it can be easily accessed and upgraded.
It has two USB 3.2 Type A ports, two USB-C3.2 connectors with charging capabilities, and an HDMI port to connect external monitors. Some users find it annoying that the USB-C connectors do not support Thunderbolt.
We should also mention that this system is affordable for those who are financially strapped. It comes with a 1080P display and a RTX3060. It is lightweight at 0.66 inches and can be carried in your backpack.
This 2-in-1 is the best for video editing with a FHD display. (Image credit: HP)
8. HP Envy x360
The best 2-in-1 laptop for video editing: This is the most affordable choice
Specifications
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700U – 8 Cores
Graphics: Radeon Vega 8 (APU)
RAM: 16GB
Screen: 13.3 inch diagonal FHD WLED touch screen (1920×1080).
Storage: 1 TB PCIe SSD
There are many reasons to buy
+Portability+Battery Life
Avoidable reasons
-Not upgradable discrete GPURAM
AdvertisementSkip advert
A “convertible laptop” (or 2-in-1 notebook) can help you to edit video on the move. It can be used as a tablet to preview your source material and explore transitions using the touch screen. Then, load up your non-linear video editor the next day and use the keyboard just like a regular laptop. You can read more about the benefits of this form factor in our article .
The 15.6-inch full HD 1080P WLED display on HP Envy looks stunning and is perfect for video editing. You can connect the Envy to an external monitor via HDMI or DisplayPort via USBC. This laptop is not a replacement for a 4K 17″ screen laptop, but what you lose in terms of extra-large displays and 4K resolution will make up for in terms of battery life.
It contains an AMD Ryzen 7 5700U eight-core processor with Vega graphics. This fast CPU makes up for the absence of a discrete GPU. The SSD storage is fast and will allow you to work with large video editing programs easily. It has one USB-C port, which is a USB 3.2 Gen 2 type (10Gb/s with power delivery), one HDMI 2.0, and two USB 3.2 Type A ports. There’s also a micro-SD card reader, headphone jack, and USB 3.2 Type-A ports. Built-in Wi-Fi 6 (and Bluetooth 5) provide connectivity. The HP Envy x360’s well-engineered design, low price, and excellent display make it one of the top options for video editors on the go.
How to choose the right video editing laptop
Video editing software relies heavily on the GPU. Therefore, you need a powerful graphics card to edit video effectively. Video editing apps can also be very heavy in memory usage. The more RAM you have, the better. You will need 16GB RAM to work comfortably with heavyweight video editors such as Adobe Premiere, even though technically it can run on 8GB. Once you start to add transitions and overlays to your footage, a fast GPU is a must.
The operating system must have a large solid-state disk to ensure that applications and it load quickly and with lots of space. Your final system requirements will depend on the resolution of your video production. Screen size is the most important. Any laptop that can handle full HD or 1080P video will work. If you are working with 4K video or more, however, you will want a screen resolution that is “higher than Full HD”. We’re talking QHD, UHD, and UHD.
You should also consider a device with expandability (so you can add memory or another SSD if needed), one that offers next-day warranty (or at the very least an option) as users will likely transfer files via cloud Storage or external storage (most likely a mobile SSD).
We tested the top video editing laptops
We considered the hardware requirements of popular non-linear video editors as well as published benchmarks such Puget Systems Premiere Pro benchmark. We selected laptops that had 16GB RAM or more (32GB preferred) and 1TB of fast internal SSD storage. An exception was made in the rugged category, as the Intel i7 is currently the fastest.
This means that a laptop from this list will still be suitable for the task at hand one year from now. There are many options available for video editing. These include a rugged notebook for outdoor work, as well as options from HP, Dell, Lenovo and HP. Some entries are business laptops, while others are gaming laptops. Modern games require a lot of resources, so gaming laptops are excellent for professional video editing. All systems have an SD card reader slot, unless otherwise stated.
What is the best laptop for video editing? Experts share their opinions
To get Michel Yavercovski’s expert opinion on choosing a creative computer, we reached out to him, the Senior Director of Product Management at Corel video products.
There are some key points to consider when purchasing a video editing laptop. Of course, video is more fluid and responsive when using the best hardware. Our Pinnacle Studio and VideoStudio products are designed to maximize your hardware so that video editing is as efficient and fast as possible. Michel said.
First, look for a system that has a powerful multicore processor. The Intel Core i7 product range is a good option to start with. Our software was optimized to take advantage multithreading to make the most of these amazing chips. You will have a smooth experience working with popular formats and creative features such as multi-camera support and 360deg video. You should also ensure that your device has an SSD storage drive that is fast and can store large files. 4K video can be very large.
Video editing can take up a lot memory so make sure you have between 16GB to 32GB RAM for smooth operation. A 64-bit Windows 10 version is essential. He added.
“When looking at graphics cards, make sure to look for the most recent NVIDIA GeForce RTX and GTX series, as well as Intel Iris, HD Graphics, for faster processing and editing. HEVC support is available on most graphics cards, which allows you to use this advanced video format in your productions.
“Because you will be working on one screen while on the move, ensure that the laptop’s built in monitor can produce crisp images and accurate color rendering. A system that supports multiple screens is ideal for when you are back at your primary work area. Finally, users should either plug in their laptops to maximize performance or change the power settings to achieve high performance. Many notebooks will default to power-saving functions when they run low on battery. This can have an impact on performance. Although you may need to accept a shorter battery time, it will allow for faster processing and better editing.
Six ways to speed up editing
Darren Mostyn is a highly experienced editor trainer and colourist. He guides us through the essential steps to speed up editing workflows to improve efficiency.
Editing has been my passion for more than 25 years. I thought it would be a good idea to share my top tips for speeding up your editing. This advice is applicable to all editing applications. A 1% to 2% speed increase could make your productivity more efficient by a half hour per week. This is time that you can use to enjoy your work or increase your income. After working in broadcast sport and live event editing for about a decade, it was imperative that I edit fast to get highlights of live action to the screen in a very short time.
Before we move on to the next step, here are some things to remember. It is not necessary to edit quickly. However, being able to quickly edit mechanically leaves us more time for the “real” job of crafting the story, supporting performances, and engaging the audience.
- Know your keyboard shortcuts. First, learn your keyboard shortcuts. Most menus you use more often than once a day have a keyboard shortcut. It is worth taking the time to locate the shortcut and practicing using it. This may slow you down initially, but it will eventually increase your speed. You must learn to take shortcuts. This is combined with the use of a colour-coded keyboard that can be used for most NLEs made by third-party keyboard manufacturers. DaVinciResolve users can use the Speed Editor keyboard. (ed. You can also change shortcuts if necessary. I used to alternate between Avid, Final Cut Pro 7, and Adobe Premiere for many years. So, when I edit, I use a combination of these shortcuts. Your NLE will determine how flexible you are.
- Take training. Quality training is worth the investment. Although this might seem expensive, it can bring you a great return on your investment. It can be a waste of time to spend hours searching YouTube channels looking for the right information. You will feel more confident in learning new techniques.
- Time management. You will have a better mind if you take breaks. A short break after 2-3 hours of intense work is more productive than 4 to 5 hours of editing. You can finish all your social media and email checks during the break. But, you should also take a break from the screen. Take a walk, or do something else. Then go back to work for a few hours. It is better for your body than sitting in a chair for long periods of time. Concentration will improve. This applies to all situations. A sore wrist or a stiff back can slow you down. Make sure you have the right height monitors and invest in an ergonomic chair.
- Avoid cheap media. If you have to transfer data, use faster hard drives and better card readers. Transfer speeds will be significantly slowed by cheap hard drives and card readers. After years of using cheaper USB hubs, I finally bought a good one. The transfer times are amazing. SSD drives are much faster than regular drives and will allow you to save time. Faster hard drives will also improve editing and rendering speeds. To help overcome workflow bottlenecks, you can make proxy files from your footage.
- Use a decent computer. If your computer is having trouble, learn how to use your NLE’s proxy workflow. A second monitor or Ultrawide monitor can help you organize your edits and a third monitor is great for previewing the full screen. Hardware slowing down is the worst thing. (ed. The jury is still out about screen resolution.
- Refresh your user interface. Wacom digitizing pen and tablet will speed up your editing, as well as reduce wrist fatigue. Since discovering Wacom tablets 20 years ago, I haven’t used a mouse. If I’m working outside of the studio, I carry a small tablet with me that I can use on the go. Although it is an Intuos 3 now, it works just as well as new. It is much easier to use the pen when I have it in my hand. Once you’ve set them up properly and given shortcuts to the keys, you won’t need a mouse ever again. It is much easier to use a pen to draw masks and audio levels. Although it takes some time to get used to, you will soon be able to speed up.
