Video editing is a task that requires a lot of power and computing capabilities. Therefore, it’s essential to choose the right kind of laptop that can handle this complex task. If you’re a videographer or someone who needs to edit videos frequently, then you’ll want a laptop that can handle the high demands of video editing without lagging or slowing down. In this article, we’ll discuss the top 10 laptops for video editing in 2021, factors to consider when choosing a laptop for video editing, and other crucial aspects that you need to look for when buying the best laptop for video editing.
Top 10 laptops for video editing in 2021
After detailed research and analysis of several laptops, we’ve come up with the top 10 laptops for video editing in 2021. These laptops are ranked based on their performance, specifications, and user reviews.
1. MacBook Pro (16-inch): The 16-inch MacBook Pro is a powerhouse when it comes to video editing. It has the 9th-generation 8-core Intel i9 processor and 16GB RAM, making it incredibly fast and efficient. It also has a dedicated AMD Radeon Pro graphics card, which ensures high-quality video rendering and playback.
2. Dell XPS 15: This laptop is a popular choice for video editors. It comes with Intel Core i7 Processor and 16GB RAM, offering excellent speed and performance. It also has a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce dedicated graphics card, making it ideal for graphic-intensive tasks.
3. HP Spectre x360: This is a two-in-one laptop that can convert into a tablet. It comes with an Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB RAM, making it ideal for video editing tasks. It also has a 4K touch display, which is perfect for precise video editing and is lightweight and portable.
4. Razer Blade 15: Razer Blade 15 has been designed for gaming, but it also works great for video editing. It has the latest Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, and a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce graphics card. Its 4K OLED touchscreen display ensures that you get the highest quality visuals while editing videos.
5. ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo: This laptop has a unique feature of having two full-width screens. The main screen is a 4K OLED touch screen, while the secondary screen is a 14-inch display, making it ideal for multitasking while editing videos. It comes with 9th gen Intel Core i9 Processor, 32GB RAM, and an NVIDIA RTX 2060 graphics card, making it incredibly fast and efficient.
6. Lenovo ThinkPad P1: This laptop is ideal for video editors who are always on the go. It has a 15.6-inch 4K display, Intel Xeon CPU or i7 processor, 64GB RAM, and a dedicated NVIDIA Quadro graphics card. This laptop is known for its excellent performance and robust build quality.
7. MSI Creator 15: This laptop is a popular choice for professional editors as it comes with 8-core Intel Core i7 Processor, 32GB RAM, and NVIDIA RTX 2070 graphics card. Its 4K UHD display with 100% Adobe RGB color gamut ensures that you get the most accurate color representation while editing videos.
8. Acer Predator Triton 500: This laptop was initially designed for gaming, but its powerful Intel Core i7 Processor, 16GB RAM, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 graphics card make it an excellent choice for video editing. Its 15.6-inch IPS display ensures that you get accurate and detailed visuals while editing your videos.
9. Gigabyte Aero 15: This laptop is known for its exceptional battery life and comes with a 10th gen Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 graphics card. Its 15.6-inch display with 144Hz refresh rate and 100% Adobe RGB color gamut ensures that you get smooth and accurate visuals while editing videos.
10. Google Pixelbook Go: This laptop is an affordable option for video editing and is ideal for beginners. It comes with a 13.3-inch Full HD touch display, Intel Core i5 processor, and 8GB RAM. Although it doesn’t have a dedicated graphics card, it still manages to handle video editing tasks with ease.
Video editing is a demanding task that requires a lot of processing power and memory. It’s essential to have a laptop that can handle the workload and provide a smooth editing experience. The laptops on this list are some of the best options available in the market for video editing, and they offer a range of features and specifications to suit different needs and budgets.
When choosing a laptop for video editing, it’s important to consider factors such as the processor, RAM, graphics card, and display. A powerful processor and ample RAM ensure that the laptop can handle multiple tasks and applications simultaneously, while a dedicated graphics card ensures smooth video playback and rendering. A high-resolution display with accurate color representation is also crucial for precise video editing.
Factors to consider when choosing a laptop for video editing
When choosing the best laptop for video editing, there are several factors that you need to consider:
One important factor to consider is the processor. A powerful processor is essential for video editing, as it will allow you to work with large files and render videos quickly. Look for laptops with Intel Core i7 or i9 processors, or AMD Ryzen processors.
Processor and RAM requirements for video editing laptops
One of the most important aspects to consider when choosing a laptop for video editing is the processor and RAM. A powerful processor is essential for handling video rendering and encoding tasks. The minimum processor requirement for video editing is an i5 or i7 processor with at least four cores. However, to get optimal performance, an i9 or Xeon processor with eight or more cores is ideal. Along with processor, having at least 16GB of RAM is also essential for smooth and lag-free rendering and editing.
In addition to processor and RAM, another important factor to consider when choosing a video editing laptop is the graphics card. A dedicated graphics card with at least 4GB of VRAM is recommended for handling the demands of video editing software. This will ensure that your laptop can handle high-resolution video files and complex visual effects without lag or stuttering.
Another consideration is storage. Video files can take up a lot of space, so having a large and fast SSD (solid-state drive) is important for storing and accessing your video footage. A minimum of 512GB of storage is recommended, but if you work with a lot of large files, you may want to consider a laptop with 1TB or more of storage.
Graphics card options for video editing laptops
The graphics card is equally important when it comes to video editing laptops, as it determines the quality of visuals and the rendering speed. A dedicated graphics card is a must for video editing, and NVIDIA graphics cards are recommended for their high performance and compatibility with software like Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve.
When choosing a graphics card for video editing, it’s important to consider the amount of VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) it has. The more VRAM a graphics card has, the better it can handle high-resolution video files and complex visual effects. For professional-level video editing, a graphics card with at least 4GB of VRAM is recommended. However, if you’re working with 8K or higher resolution footage, you may need a graphics card with even more VRAM to ensure smooth playback and rendering.
Display options for video editing laptops
The display is an essential aspect when it comes to video editing, as it determines the quality of visuals being edited. Look for laptops with 4K or OLED displays or resolutions of at least 1080p. A high-quality display guarantees that the visuals are sharp and accurate, allowing for precise editing.
Another important factor to consider when choosing a display for video editing is color accuracy. A laptop with a display that can accurately reproduce colors is crucial for video editors, as it ensures that the colors in the edited video are true to life. Look for laptops with displays that have a high color gamut, such as Adobe RGB or DCI-P3.
It’s also important to consider the size of the display. A larger display can make it easier to see details in the video being edited, but it can also make the laptop less portable. On the other hand, a smaller display may be more portable, but it can be more difficult to see details. Consider your needs and preferences when choosing the size of the display for your video editing laptop.
Storage options for video editing laptops
Video editing requires a lot of storage space, so it’s essential to look for laptops with high storage capacity. An SSD is recommended for its fast read and write speeds, making file transfers and software boot-up much quicker.
Battery life considerations for video editing laptops
Video editing is a power-intensive task that can drain the battery quickly. It’s essential to choose a laptop with a decent battery life that can last for several hours. Laptops with a battery life of at least six to eight hours are ideal for video editing.
User reviews and ratings of popular video editing laptops
When choosing the best laptop for video editing, it’s crucial to go through user reviews and ratings to get an idea of the performance and usability of the laptop. Reviews and ratings from other users who have used the laptop can provide valuable insights and help you make an informed decision.
Budget-friendly laptop options for video editing
If you’re on a tight budget, several laptops provide good performance at an affordable price point. Dell G5 5590, Acer Predator Helios 300, and Lenovo IdeaPad L340 are some of the options available for video editing under $1000.
Mac vs PC: Which is better for video editing?
This debate has been raging for ages, and the answer to this question depends upon personal preference and what software you’re using. Macs are known for their high build quality, sleek design, and compatibility with software like Final Cut Pro. In contrast, PCs are known for their customization options, high-performance hardware, and compatibility with software like Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve.
Frequently asked questions about choosing a laptop for video editing
Q: Can I use a gaming laptop for video editing?
A: Yes, gaming laptops are also an excellent choice for video editing as they come with powerful hardware like dedicated graphics cards and fast processors. However, they may be heavier and bulkier than traditional video editing laptops.
Q: Do I need a 4K display for video editing?
A: While having a 4K display is a nice-to-have, it’s not necessary for video editing. However, a high-resolution display is essential for precise editing.
Q: How much storage do I need for video editing?
A: Video editing requires extensive storage space, so it’s recommended to have at least 1TB of storage capacity. An SSD is also preferred over an HDD for faster file transfer and software boot-up.
Q: Can I upgrade the RAM on my video editing laptop?
A: Yes, some video editing laptops allow the user to upgrade their RAM, but this depends on the laptop’s make and model.
In conclusion, choosing the best laptop for video editing depends on several factors like processor and RAM, graphics card, display, storage, and battery life. The laptops mentioned above are some of the best in the market for video editing and can handle complex video editing software with ease. Ensure you go through user reviews and ratings before making a final decision and choose the laptop that fits your budget, requirements, and preferences. Happy editing!