How to Choose The Best Laptop for Video Editing: 2023 Guide

When it’s about video production and high-end content creation, a computer comes after the cameras, gimbals, tripods, and all that. And it’s a big challenge to edit HD videos on regular devices. Besides, you need to publish that footage while on the go as well. Though a desktop PC could be an ideal option yet they’re hardly portable in that sense.

Therefore, there is no alternative to a powerful and high-performance laptop to edit videos for YouTube, Facebook, and other digital platforms. Besides, it’s also important to know how to choose the best laptops for video editing keeping in mind various factors. Since, you’re going to deal with different types of video files, software, and assumption.

Here, you’ll know more about the different aspects, components, and features that a video editing laptop should have. So, sticking with our discussion will help you to make a good decision while buying one for yourself.

Let’s jump into it–

How to Choose the Best Laptop for Video Editing

As we mentioned in the intro, there are a few things to consider when you think of an appropriate laptop computer for producing video content. Which includes the consideration of external things like the resolution, editing software, and video resolution.

You’ll also require the right knowledge of the key components when thinking about how to choose the best laptops for video editing. It means the internal specifications, including the CPU, GPU, RAM, Storage, etc. Though, both concerns are interconnected with each other. No worries! We’ll make you clear everything.

Let’s have look at the key factors that are worth the best video editing computer apart from others–

CPU(Processor)

People often call a processor a CPU(central processing unit) that’s the most key component of a computer. No matter whether it’s for a desktop PC or laptop. It defines how efficiently and quickly your device performs calculations or loads of tasks. Now, it’s also essential to have a powerful CPU as you’re getting a laptop for video editing.

Look! It might be a bit confusing for you which processor or CPU you should get on board of a powerful laptop. Yes, it matters a lot. We encourage you to start with a Core-i3 11th-12th generation or a Ryzen-3 once. It’s a cost-effective solution for a beginner having a desktop set up at home. However, if you’re a professional content creator you should have a Core-i5, Intel Core i7, or i9 processor from the Intel CPU family.

Alternatively, you have a similar option Ryzen 5, Ryzen 7, and Ryzen 9 from AMD. Like most content creators we suggest a Core-i processor for several reasons. Don’t go for the controversies both have a few pros and cons. We found a better result using intel CPU while multitasking on graphics-intensive video editing applications.

If you want to experience a different taste you can go for the Apple MacBook Air or Pro. Here, you’ll have M1 and M2 chips with a powerful processor and neutral engine capacity. That’s why many experts still rely on the Apple MacBook laptop series.

RAM(Memory)

RAM is short time memory of a computer and chronologically the second most important component to consider. It also impacts a lot on the performance of the applications you would run for high-quality editing video clips. The more RAM means the better performance it will provide on multitasking and multimedia software.

As you know, most professionals keep the Adobe Premiere Pro, Corel VideoStudio, Final Cut Pro, etc. applications in their daily routine. It will be a piece of cake for you to edit 4k videos when getting 16GB or 32GB RAM. An 8GB would struggle with performance issues in the middle of editing, but good for the newbies.

GPU(Graphics Processing Unit)

The best video editing laptops will have dedicated GPUs with their motherboard. A graphics card makes your video editing tasks faster and renders the project smoothly. So, you have nothing to worry about the performance of the processor and RAM. Besides, it will also make your graphics quality and visual amazing in the display.

Well! If you have an intention to work in the Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effect then getting a GPU-enabled laptop is the right decision. The software sucks lots of power so VRAM would help in this. Choose one which works best for your model. However, a 4GB or 6GB space would be enough for this type of film editing.

Storage Space(SSD/HDD)

You need internal storage to install and run the operating system and other applications to work. That’s why the storage come so you can store your files, data, or information for future use. Technical experts also call it secondary memory as it saves the file after saving it from the RAM. Well! Now, there are two options for storage one is a Hard Disk drive(HDD) and a Solid state drive(SSD).

In recent days, you’ll rarely find a laptop with an HDD since it’s been a legacy or outdated technology. Whereas, SSD storage is the latest technology with dynamic flash memory, file management, and transmission within the system and other devices. An SSD makes your computer faster and it’s plus point when you’re getting into a video production laptop.

Now, how much space you’ll own depend on how much data or file are stored. We suggest having a minimum of 512GB or 1TB as storage capacity. It’s ample storage space for a content maker.

Display

Your laptop’s display screen is crucial when editing video and fixing the color grading of your footage. Now, most cameras or drone shots deliver HD, UHD, or 4k resolution videos, so it’s equally important to have a display that supports the high-resolution raw files. It’s your duty to check the maximum resolution and display technology before making a decision on them.

There is another display technology called OLED(organic LED) that allows you to view the display from a different angle. It also lets you experience a bright display, vibrant, and vivid colors on the screen. Besides, the IPS(In-Plane Switching) display screen would add a bit more advantage that improves color accuracy and viewing angle.

The larger screen means you’ll get more real estate for the editing application timelines. On the other hand, you’ll need no external monitors with this wider angle view.

Battery Backup

We often forget to check how much battery backup it provides while operating the computer. You should check the performance and runtime for both situations in regular and editing operations. A right video editing laptop would last for around a minimum of 5-6 hours and a maximum of 12-14 hours approximately, on average.

Otherwise, it’s not worth having such a powerful gaming laptop with low-capacity backup for all your savings. In that case, only the desktop PC was enough to get everything done alone. Since laptops ensure portability from one place to another with good battery life.

Thermal Cooling System

When you’re playing a game or editing a video project laptops are prone to get hotter than normal situations. Since it collaborates with different internal components to ensure the best result. But, the overheating weakens the regular workflow and performance of your computer. As there are lots of hardware functions together.

Hence, a computer with proper thermal cooling technology will remain one step ahead in terms of performance and project delivery. The efficient thermal cooler exhausts the hot air from inside and lets air flow therein. Thus, the laptops never tired of doing tons of jobs for hours. Still, if you’re facing any problem with heating issues you can purchase a USB-powered laptop cooling pad at an affordable price.

USB ports and Outlets

As a video editor, mostly you need to connect a different device to your computer, including a camera, card slots, smartphone, etc. In order to import and export varieties of files and data. So, we found the I/O ports and outlets important too. Generally, you’ll have many USB A, C, HDMI, etc but the number of porta matter a lot in content creation and video production.

Other Things to Consider

Many people overlook many other factors like keyboard, speaker, touchpad, etc. We recommend you get a comfortable backlit keyboard system that withstands maximum pressure during rush hour. And when it’s about the speaker we should appreciate the current laptops’ sound system from different technology.

Remember one thing, you need a crystal clear digital sound when carrying a whopper is impossible. Especially while you’re on the go. So, only built-in speakers are the only hope. This is why it’s essential to take an on-spot trail.

FAQs on How to choose the best laptop for video editing

Can I use a gaming laptop for video editing?

Yes, you can use gaming laptops for video editing, and they are the best option. Since they come with a fast processor and external graphics card which means they could support high-end graphic design and video editing applications. Sometimes, they could replace a desktop PC in terms of processing power and speed.

Is a Ryzen processor good for video editing?

Both the AMS Ryzen and Intel are good processors for working on video editing software. AMD’s Threadripper(3970X) CPU provides the best performance in this area besides the Ryzen 9 5900X processor. Although, experts believe they have some cons while as compared to the latest Intel processors.

How much RAM should a video editing laptop have?

A video editing laptop with 32GB RAM works nicely with the most powerful editing software, including Adobe Premiere Pro. However, you can start with a 16GB memory at the beginning. You can face a problem with 16GB once while running multiple applications in the taskbar.

Which processor is best for video editing?

A high-end latest Intel Core-i9 would provide the best result in video editing. Alternatively, you can go for the AMD Ryzen 9 CPU for excellent project editing and rendering process. There are no issues with performance only a few exceptions. But, we believe they will never bother you at the desk.

Is a graphics card necessary for video editing?

No, you can still edit video with no graphics card, since the laptop’s computer has its integrated or coprocessor GPU with the processor. However, it’s best to have a discrete graphics card if you’re editing those videos professionally. Because you have to run multiple applications and browsers alongside the editing tools.

As they make your project handling and rendering 6 to 10 times faster as compared to a built-in one. Hence, there is less chance to ignore the importance of having an external graphics processing unit(VRAM). The NVIDIA GeForce RTX series is the best choice over others. But, budget laptops hardly have a dedicated graphics unit.

Do creative professionals use Final Cut Pro?

Yes, they do a lot. Besides, many content creators, students, and business owners use Final Cut Pro worldwide. Although, it’s compatible only with the Apple MacBook device only but is efficient. This is why, it’s one of the best choices among professionals for making film, TV, and vlog clips.

Which laptop is best for Adobe Premiere Pro?

You’ll have a huge list in your hand while looking for the best laptops for running Adobe Premiere Pro editing software. Here’re a few–

Takeaways

So, the matter of choosing a video editing laptop is clear and concise to you all now. Since we informed you almost everything on how to choose the best laptops for video editing and multimedia. All you need is to check the components and their performance carefully. Hopefully, you got a clear idea after reading this page.

It’s better to ensure your scope of tasks, working software, etc. before defining how robust and capable hardware components you need. We also covered many questions that may arise in your mind related to this topic. So, we answer them as well in the FAQs section.

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Mohiuddin Alamgir

Hi there! My name is Mohiuddin Alamgir and I’m the man behind of “Laptopvine”. I love learning about all sorts of technology, especially laptops. I find it fascinating how laptops have evolved over the years and how they’ve become essential tools for both work and play. I strive to provide information that is both accurate and helpful to those looking for a new laptop.