One of the hardest jobs for a laptop is video editing, which calls for a combination of powerful technology, good screens, and dependable storage options. Selecting the correct laptop in 2024 is essential, whether you are a content maker starting out or a skilled editor dealing with 4K footage. This article will examine the greatest laptops currently on the market for video editing, considering a range of needs and price points.
Key Features to Consider
Before going into certain models, it is critical to comprehend the qualities that define a good laptop for video editing
Processor (CPU)
A powerful CPU is essential for rendering, exporting, and managing complex editing operations. Seek for laptops with a minimum of four cores in the processor; the top models should have an AMD Ryzen 7 or 9 or an Intel Core i7 or i9.
Graphics Card (GPU)
A strong GPU helps with rendering and playback, especially for timelines with many effects. The AMD Radeon RX series and the NVIDIA RTX series are great options.
RAM
RAM is necessary for video editing programs like Adobe Premiere Pro and Autodesk Resolve. Aim for a minimum of 16GB; for 4K editing, 32GB or more is better.
Best Laptops for Video Editing in 2024
Apple MacBook Pro 16 inch (2024)
The market for video editing devices is still dominated by the Apple MacBook Pro 16 inch. Even with 8K footage, Apple’s M2 Max chip guarantees seamless performance with up to a 12 core CPU and a 38 core GPU. The laptop’s 16 inch Liquid Retina XDR display, which has a P3 broad colour gamut and a peak brightness of 1,600 nits, produces beautiful images.
Dell XPS 17 (2024)
The Dell XPS 17 is a powerful device for Windows users. It features an NVIDIA RTX 4080 GPU and an Intel 14th generation Core i9 processor. With 100% Adobe RGB coverage and Dolby Vision support, the 17 inch 4K UHD+ display is ideal for video editing.
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024)
The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 famous for its portability without compromising performance is the perfect choice for video editors. It can easily perform 4K editing with an AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS CPU and an NVIDIA RTX 4060 GPU. The 14 inch QHD+ display guarantees vivid colours and fluid playback with a refresh rate of 120 Hz and 100% DCI P3 coverage.
HP Spectre x360 16 (2024)
The HP Spectre x360 16 is an excellent 2 in 1 for people who value flexibility in a laptop. It performs well thanks to the Intel Arc A770M GPU and 14th generation Core i7 processor. Beautiful images are shown on a 16 inch 3K OLED display with a 100% DCI P3 colour gamut, and the touchscreen adds further adaptability.
Budget Options for Video Editing
Acer Swift X (2024)
The Acer Swift X is a great option for video editors with limited funds. It has an NVIDIA RTX 3050 Ti GPU and an AMD Ryzen 7 7840U CPU. Although it’s less powerful than more expensive choices, it works fine with 1080p and even minimal 4K editing. The 14 inch Full HD display guarantees quality colour with 100% RGB coverage.
Performance
The AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor and NVIDIA RTX 3050 GPU that come with the Swift X are powerful enough to handle 1080p and some modest 4K editing. It’s not the fastest choice, but it is sufficient for most editing jobs.
Display
The 14 inch Full HD display is appropriate for most editing activities because it has respectable brightness and colour fidelity. It’s more than sufficient for most tasks, while it might not be the best option for color-critical work.
Portability
The Swift X is incredibly portable, weighing just under 3 pounds, making it perfect for editors often on the road. It also has a respectable battery life, but extensive editing will still need access to a power source.
Drawbacks
The Swift X’s build quality is less high-end than that of more costly models, and it can have trouble handling heavier workloads. However, it’s a great entry-level choice for those just starting with video editing.
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2024)
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is an excellent choice for video editors, even though its primary purpose is gaming. With an NVIDIA GTX 1650 GPU and AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS processor, it can handle most 1080p editing workloads. The 15.6 inch FHD display with a refresh rate of 120 Hz provides smooth playback.
Performance
The IdeaPad 5 Pro is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 7730U processor with integrated Radeon graphics. Although weaker than specialized GPUs, it manages more straightforward 4K projects and 1080p editing.
Display
The 16 inch WQXGA display has a quality better than Full HD and gives editors additional screen real estate for timeline editing. Additionally, considering its budget, it has decent colour accuracy, making it appropriate for most editing chores.
Portability
Although the IdeaPad 5 Pro weighs slightly more than other inexpensive alternatives, most users can still easily carry it around. Its long battery life further adds to its versatility as a choice for hobbyists or students.
Drawbacks
Like other inexpensive solutions, the IdeaPad 5 Pro lacks the power required for more complex activities. Still, it’s an excellent option for people who need a dependable laptop for everyday video.
HP Pavilion 15 (2024)
For those on a budget or students needing a dependable laptop for video editing, the HP Pavilion 15 is a fantastic option due to its affordable pricing and good performance.
Performance
The Pavilion 15 has integrated Iris Xe graphics and an Intel Core i7-1365G7 processor. Iris Xe is capable of 1080p editing and some light 4K work, even if it isn’t as strong as dedicated GPUs, especially when combined with designed software, such as DaVinci Resolve.
Display
For its price, the 15.6 inch Full HD display provides decent brightness and colour accuracy, making it appropriate for most editing activities. Although it’s less colourful than more costly alternatives, it’s still more than sufficient for casual work.
Portability
The Pavilion 15 is a wonderful choice for students or editors who need a compact, cost effective laptop that is light and has a long battery life.
Drawbacks
More complex editing activities require more processing power than the Pavilion 15, especially at higher resolutions. It works best for people editing 1080p videos or doing more straightforward projects.
Conclusion
The best laptop for video editing in 2024 will depend on your spending limit and specific needs. Professional editors can expect exceptional performance from high end models such as the Apple MacBook Pro 16 inch and Dell XPS 17, while those starting or working on lighter projects can find sufficient power in cheaper alternatives like the Acer Swift X.
Purchasing a high quality laptop specifically designed for video editing will boost your productivity and creative output. Whether you prefer raw power, portability, or display quality, a computer in 2024 will be enough to fulfil your video editing requirements.