Many people doing video editing both at the amateur and professional levels. If you prefer a desktop computer, we also have a very helpful guide to optimal configuration Video editing PC . But many users, due to mobility issues or lack of space, prefer one of the best laptops for video editing where you can do your job. Depending on the software you use for editing or your needs, you should choose a computer with more or less powerful hardware.
Some people only use it for the most basic stuff or sporadic editing and even small video clips that don't require too much power. Others are looking for more options for moving graphics engines, modeling, editing/encoding long videos, VFX effects, etc. Be that as it may, here you will find the help you need to choose the best product.
7 best laptops for video editing
However, now we will see multiple laptops that adapt to all budgets and needs to make the video editing task as efficient as possible.
Creator MSI Z16
We start our selection of the best laptops for video editing with this MSI equipped with Intel Core i9-12900H and RTX3060 GPU. This new generation of Intel i9 processors manages to outperform the Apple M1 Max and even double that of the 8-core M1. Although you can still get cheaper with the i7-11800H.
It's thin and light with a 16-inch True Pixel screen, packed with essential editing features: QHD+ resolution, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut (typical), Delta E <2, True Color technology and CalMan verified.
In addition, it is a device with the necessary connection ports and connection systems that will allow us to use it for other tasks as well.
Specifications:
| Processor | Alder Lake i9-12900H (45W) |
| Memory | DDR IV 16GB*2 (3200MHz) |
| Storage | 4TB NVMe PCIe Gen4x1 SSD |
| Screen | 16" QHD+ (2560*1600), 120Hz, DCI-P3, 100% typ., 400 nits |
| Timetable | GeForce RTX3060 Max-Q, GDDR6 6 GB |
| connectivity | Killer Wi-Fi 6E AX1675+BT5.2 Fingerprint Reader |
| connection | 2 x Thunderbolt 4 / DP / USB4 Type-C 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 1 x Micro SD (UHS-III) Reader 1 x DC-in |
| Camera | IR HD (30 fps at 720p) |
| Operating system | no operating system |
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED
According to the manufacturer, the AERO series is specifically designed for creative professionals who need stability, fidelity and excellent color calibration in a powerful yet elegant design.
The highlight of this model is Samsung's 15,6-inch UHD (3840×2160 pixels) OLED screen, X-Rite Pantone certified, VESA DisplayHDR (TrueBlack 400) in addition to custom factory calibration. It can fit perfectly between 4k laptops.
The cooling system, which includes two 71-blade fans and five heatpipes, keeps the i7 at a reasonable temperature, although we don't fully understand why this great PC for professionals only has 16GB of RAM.
Without a doubt, this is one of the best laptops for video editing or 3D rendering, photo editing or graphic design. Although if you want a desktop, you can look at the best configurations for photography.
Specifications:
| Processor | i7-11800H (2,3GHz ~ 4,6GHz) |
| Memory | 8Gx2 DDR4 3200MHz |
| Storage | Gen3 1TB |
| Screen | Display 15,6" Samsung OLED UHD 3840x2160 Narrow Bezel Display (VESA DisplayHDR 400 True Black, 100% DCI-P3) Pantone Y certified Individually factory calibrated |
| Timetable | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GDDR6 6 GB |
| connectivity | LAN: RTL8125-BG REALTEK (2,5G) Ethernet WLAN: Intel AX200 Wireless (802.11ax compatible, a/b/g/n/ac/ax) Bluetooth V5.0 + LELAN: RTL8125-BG REALTEK (2,5G) Ethernet |
| connection | 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-A) 1x HDMI 2.1 1x miniDP 1.4 1x 3,5mm headphone/microphone combo jack 1x DC jack 1xRJ-45 |
| Camera | HD |
| Operating system | Windows 10 Professional 64-bit |
Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro
WE CONTINUE our list of the best laptops for video editing with this Lenovo bet in which we find a powerful Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor and 16GB RAM , so you won't have processing issues or interruptions while you're working.
The performance results are more than decent, surpassing even the 1st generation Apple M1. Undoubtedly the most economical high-end editing laptop. Although you should not forget that in this equipment for this price you will have to be content with the Intel Iris Xe Graphics GPU.
Specifications:
| Processor | Intel Core i7-1165G7 (4 cores/8 threads, 2,8/4,7 GHz, 12 MB) |
| Memory | 16GB DDR4-3200 |
| Storage | 2TB M.2280 3.0 PCIe 4x1 NVMe SSD |
| Screen | 14″ 2,8K (2880x1800) IPS, 400 nits, anti-glare, 90Hz, 100% sRGB |
| Timetable | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11ax, 2×2 + Bluetooth 5.1 |
| connection | 1 USB 3.2 Gen 1 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (always on) 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (supports data transfer, Power Delivery 3.0 and DisplayPort 1.4) 1x HDMI 1.4b 1x headphone/microphone combo jack (3,5mm) 1x 4 in 1 card reader |
| Camera | 720p + IR + ToF |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Professional 64-bit |
MSI Bravo 15
If Lenovo has convinced you, wait to see this MSI Bravo with a very powerful AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor, an improved version of the previous one. Imagine the performance results, offering twice as many points as many i7s currently on the market. A powerful machine ideal for video editing that also has 16 GB of RAM and graphics to keep your work smooth and quality.
Specifications:
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 5800H |
| Memory | DDR IV 16GB (8GB*2) (3200MHz) |
| Storage | 3TB NVMe PCIe Gen4x1 SSD |
| Screen | 15,6" FHD (1920*1080), IPS-level, 144Hz, 45% NTSC |
| Timetable | RX5500M, GDDR6 4 GB |
| connectivity | GB LAN 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 + Bluetooth v5.1 |
| connection | 1x RJ45 1x (4K@30Hz) HDMI 1x Type-C USB3.2 Gen1 3x Type-A USB3.2 Gen1 |
| Camera | HD (30 fps at 720p) |
| Operating system | no operating system |
MSI Modern 15
In this case, we are dealing with an MSI Modern 15 model with an incredible processor like the Intel Core i7-1195G7. It's true that it's inferior in terms of performance to the reviewed AMD Ryzen, but the GeForce MX450 2GB GDDR5 graphics make it worthy of a place in our guide to the best editing laptops.
If you're also looking for an easy-to-carry design, this model has an ultra-light the weight 1,3 kg and thickness 16,9 mm. It is also very important to note that in this laptop you will have 32 GB of RAM for your video productions.
Specifications:
| Processor | Tiger Lake i7-1195G7 |
| Memory | DDR IV 16GB*2 (3200MHz) |
| Storage | 3TB NVMe PCIe Gen4x1 SSD |
| Screen | 15,6" FHD (1920*1080), IPS level, 60Hz, 72% NTSC, 100% sRGB |
| Timetable | GeForce MX450 2 GB GDDR5 |
| connectivity | Intel Wireless-AC 9560 (2*2 air conditioners) + BT5 |
| connection | 1x micro SD card reader 1x (4K@60Hz) HDMI 1x Type-A USB3.2 Gen1 2x Type-A USB3.2 Gen2 1x Type-C (USB4/DP/Thunderbolt 4) with PD charging |
| Camera | HD (30 fps at 720p) |
| Operating system | no operating system |
Asus TUF Dash F15
With an Intel Core I7 11370H processor, 16GB of RAM and impressive NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics, this ASUS is one of the best at video editing. Not only for the results in terms of performance, but also for its screen up to 240Hz with excellent graphical fluidity. Lightweight and compact design with 512 GB or 1 TB of storage - plenty of room to work.
Specifications:
| Processor | i7-11370H 3,3GHz 4-core (12MB cache, up to 4,8GHz) |
| Memory | 8GB DDR4 + 8GB DDR4-3200 SO-DIMM |
| Storage | 2 GB M.3.0 NVMe PCIe 512 SSD |
| Screen | 15,6″ - 39,62 cm / LED / FHD (1920×1080/16:9) / 144Hz / 250 nits / anti-glare / NTSC 45% / SRGB 62,50% / Adobe 47,34% / contrast ratio 1000:1 / IPS / FOV 85/85/85/85 |
| Timetable | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Max-Q |
| connectivity | Intel Wi-Fi 6 (Gig+) (802.11ax) + Bluetooth 5.1 (Dual Band) 2*2 |
| connection | 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A 1x Type C USB 4 with Power Delivery, Display Port and Thunderbolt 4 1x 3,5mm combo audio jack 1x USB-C 3.2 (GEN2) (DisplayPort) Thunderbolt 4 1x HDMI 2.0b |
| Camera | Nope |
| Operating system | no operating system |
Apple MacBook Pro
If you are one of those who prefer to work with MacOs and Apple products, then you should take a closer look at the new MacBook Pro with M1/M1 Pro chip and 8GB/16GB RAM. Many graphic designers, editors and multimedia professionals choose this line of laptops for their work because of the flexibility and guarantees they offer. Power is one of its strengths when compared to its predecessors.
Specifications:
| Processor | Apple M1 Pro chip 10-core processor with 8 performance cores and 2 efficiency cores 16-core Neural Engine Memory bandwidth 200 GB/s |
| Memory | 16 GB shared memory |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| Screen | 16,2-inch (41,05 cm) Liquid Retina XDR display10; native resolution 3456 x 2234 at 254 ppi. Constant brightness up to 1000 nits (full screen), peak brightness 1600 nits. Contrast 1000 0,000:1. |
| Timetable | 16-core GPU |
| connectivity | Wireless Wi-Fi 802.11ax (6th generation) Compliant with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards Bluetooth 5.0 |
| connection | Thunderbolt 4 digital video output Built-in DisplayPort output over USB?C VGA, HDMI, DVI and Thunderbolt 2 outputs via adapters (sold separately) HDMI digital video output Monitor support up to 4K @ 60Hz DVI output using HDMI to DVI adapter |
| Camera | FaceTime HD in 1080p |
| Operating system | MacOS |
Other related guides
- The best laptops for graphic designers
- Build a PC for Video Editing
- Best Macbook Pro Alternatives
- Best laptops for CAD/CAM
What should be a laptop for video editing?
Generally, you should look for functions, similar to what you would look for when choosing a laptop for any other task. A good brand that provides reliability, good materials that make it more durable, and attractive hardware that is more optimized or has what you need to run your editing software as flexibly as possible.
This will also depend on what you want to spend . Not everyone can afford to invest a lot, and it makes no sense to spend a lot on a very powerful team if you are not going to use their resources later. Therefore, before moving on to review requirements and models, you should ask yourself the question: why do I need this? If the answer is ultimately video editing, chances are any cheaper and more basic model you have.
But if you're going to be professional video editor , then you can spend more money on the acquisition. It will be an investment that you will pay back over time. Think of it as a working tool to help you make a profit. Buying a bad tool can leave you wasting time studying or getting frustrated. Therefore, if you are a pro, you should not skimp and buy the best equipment for more efficient work.
Once you have decided on this, the next step is to view minimum, average and recommended characteristics that your future portable video editing equipment should have. These characteristics will determine whether the laptop will enter the low, medium or high price.
The screen is the weak point of laptops for editing
The screen is one of the most important points when choosing a laptop for installation. Good panels are difficult to find, although you can always resort to the best for this. gaming laptops, which has good technical characteristics, which are also suitable for installation.
As a recommendation, bet on QHD (2560 x 1440 pixels) and on the fact that it is IPS (not TN) for better color reproduction and a wide viewing angle.
It should not be too small so that you can see all the details well. And the resolution should be good as well as other factors (pixel density, panel technology, refresh rate,…). But in general, you must meet the following requirements:
- Minimum configuration : Full HD (1920x1080px)
- Medium settings : X 2560 1440
- Recommended configuration : 4K (3840x2160px) or with HDMI connectivity to an external 8K display.
CPU, quad-core and latest generation
It would be desirable to have a good processor to run the software smoothly, especially if you are multitasking and for coding.
- Minimum : 5th generation Intel Core i8 microprocessor or 5nd generation AMD Ryzen 2 microprocessor or higher.
- Average : Intel Core i7 8th generation or better or AMD Ryzen 7 3rd generation.
- Recommended : For the most demanding, you can choose a processor such as Intel Xeon, Core i9, AMD Ryzen 9 or AMD ThreadRipper, or AMD EPYC in MP configurations. However, this is not possible on laptops, you should set up a workstation.
The more RAM, the better for video editing
RAM also matters for faster execution and for the total number of operations that are performed when editing or post-editing.
- Minimum A: 8 GB or 16 GB will be enough. If you find a laptop with 8 GB of memory and it has free slots, you can upgrade it later. But you have to make sure it has free slots and it's not soldered RAM.
- Average - 32 GB would be nice.
- Recommended : For the most demanding, 64 GB is ideal.
Combine SSD with HDD for storage
It's very personal as not everyone wants the same thing. But if you dedicate yourself to editing long videos, it will take up quite a lot of space, especially if you accumulate a lot of them in your library. But you can always use external media.
- Minimum : 256 GB SSD.
- The average A: 256 GB NVMe PCIe, and if you can fit two, much better.
- Recommended A: 1TB NVMe PCIe is ok, RAID-0 configuration is possible.
Dedicated and compatible graphics card
It may seem like you need a great graphics card for video editing, but this task will be more CPU-intensive than graphics-intensive. However, good graphics help with some specific tasks such as rendering.
- Minimum A: with some of the integrated ones from Intel or AMD (better) will suffice.
- Average : with some discrete ones it would be fine, for example with NVIDIA GeForce MX250 or similar.
- Recommended : With more powerful graphics cards such as dedicated NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon GPUs.
Final recommendations
There are many things to consider when buying a video editing laptop, and if you don't do your research, you may end up buying a weaker model that won't stand up to the rigors of video editing.