Best Laptops for Video Editing in 2023

TL;DR

When looking for a laptop for video editing, the Apple M1 Pro, Dell XPS 15 (2021), and Asus ProArt StudioBook stand out for their performance and features. Each caters to different budgets and user needs.

Top Picks

Budget: Asus ProArt StudioBook - Offers excellent performance for video editing at a competitive price. Buy on Amazon
Mid-range: Dell XPS 15 (2021) - Combines power and portability, making it ideal for creators. Buy on Amazon
Premium: Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M1 Pro) - Exceptional performance and integration within the Apple ecosystem. Buy on Amazon

Quick Summary

Video editing requires powerful hardware to handle demanding tasks efficiently. With the rise of high-resolution content, choosing the right laptop has become crucial for both professionals and enthusiasts.

TL;DR
Quick Summary
Key Buying Factors
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Top Product Reviews
Price Guide
Personalized Recommendations
Community Insights
Final Verdict

Key Buying Factors

Before making your purchase, consider these essential factors:

Performance

Look for laptops with powerful CPUs and GPUs that can handle 4K video editing smoothly.

Display Quality

A high-resolution display with accurate color representation is vital for video editing.

Portability

Consider the weight and battery life of the laptop, especially if you plan to edit on the go.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others’ experiences - here are key pitfalls to watch out for:

Ignoring RAM and Storage

Video editing software requires significant memory and storage; opting for less can lead to performance issues.

Choosing Based on Brand Alone

While brand reputation matters, it’s essential to evaluate specific models and their capabilities for video editing.

Overlooking Software Compatibility

Ensure the laptop can run your preferred editing software efficiently, as some laptops may struggle with certain applications.

Top Product Reviews

Our detailed analysis of the best options available:

Apple M1 Pro

The Apple M1 Pro has garnered significant praise within the video editing community, particularly for its exceptional performance when handling demanding 4K footage. Users have highlighted its ability to edit seamlessly in software like Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro without the need for proxy files, which is a common requirement for many Windows-based laptops. The M1 Pro’s architecture, designed specifically for video editing tasks, allows for efficient rendering and playback, making it a preferred choice for professionals in the field. Additionally, its lightweight and portable design coupled with impressive battery life makes it suitable for on-the-go editing.

Features

Powerful M1 Pro chip optimized for video editing
Stunning Retina display with high color accuracy

User Experiences

My MacBook Pro 16", M1 Pro fares really well. The only thing I would advise is spending enough money on storage and RAM (16 GB is just a little too small). I only use Final Cut Pro these days though.
I’ve got an M1 MacBook Pro with 16GB RAM and it flies through 4K 10-bit footage on Resolve. Coming from a very powerful gaming laptop and it’s still much faster, especially on battery.

Pros

Incredible performance for 4K video editing
Excellent battery life and portability

Cons

Higher initial investment compared to some Windows alternatives

Best Use Cases

Professional video editing, especially for 4K projects

Price-Performance Ratio

While the M1 Pro may have a higher upfront cost than many Windows laptops, its performance and longevity in video editing make it a worthwhile investment for professionals who rely on their equipment for work.

Purchase Options

View on Manufacturer’s Website

Dell XPS 15 (2021)

The Dell XPS 15 (2021) emerges as a strong contender for video editing tasks, thanks to its powerful specifications and lightweight design. Users on Reddit have consistently praised its performance in handling video editing software, making it a suitable choice for both amateur and semi-professional video editors. The laptop’s balance of power and portability makes it ideal for creators who need to edit on the go. However, while the discussions highlight its capabilities, some users suggest that desktops may offer better value for high-end editing tasks due to superior hardware options.

Features

Powerful Intel Core i7/i9 processors
Dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti graphics card

User Experiences

Users have reported that the XPS 15 can handle 4K video editing smoothly with minimal lag, especially when using optimized settings in editing software.

Pros

Lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry for on-the-go editing
Excellent display quality with vivid colors, enhancing the editing experience

Cons

Higher price point compared to some competitors, which may deter budget-conscious buyers

Best Use Cases

Ideal for video editing, especially for creators working with 4K content

Price-Performance Ratio

While the Dell XPS 15 (2021) is on the pricier side, its performance in video editing justifies the cost for serious creators, offering a good balance of power and portability.

Purchase Options

View on Amazon

View on Manufacturer’s Website

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M1 Pro)

The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M1 Pro) is frequently mentioned in discussions as a top choice for video editing due to its exceptional performance and integration within the Apple ecosystem. Users have noted its capability to handle demanding software like Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects with ease, making it a strong contender for professionals in the video editing space. Despite some discussions suggesting that desktops may offer better value, the portability and power of this laptop make it an attractive option for content creators on the go.

Features

M1 Pro chip with 10-core CPU and 16-core GPU for enhanced performance
High-resolution Retina display with True Tone technology for accurate color representation

User Experiences

Users have reported that the MacBook Pro 16 (M1 Pro) significantly reduces rendering times in video editing workflows, allowing for smoother playback and quicker exports.

Pros

Outstanding performance for video editing and rendering tasks
Excellent battery life, enabling long editing sessions without needing to recharge

Cons

Higher price point compared to some competitors, which may be a barrier for budget-conscious users

Best Use Cases

Professional video editing using software like Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects

Price-Performance Ratio

While the MacBook Pro 16 (M1 Pro) is on the higher end of the price spectrum, its performance capabilities justify the investment for serious video editors looking for reliability and efficiency.

Purchase Options

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View on Manufacturer’s Website

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M1

The Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M1 is widely regarded in Reddit discussions as an excellent choice for video editing and creative work. Users have highlighted its impressive performance with video editing software like Premiere Pro, making it a strong contender for professionals and enthusiasts alike. While there are some limitations, especially in handling After Effects, the overall sentiment remains positive, particularly for light to moderate video editing tasks. The M1 chip’s efficiency and power contribute significantly to its capabilities, although some users have noted the need for proxies in certain workflows, especially with multi-cam setups.

Features

Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU
Retina display with True Tone and P3 wide color

User Experiences

I have that exact spec laptop and love it, crushes Premiere. After Effects not so much, but technically works.

Pros

Exceptional performance for video editing tasks
Long battery life, allowing for extended editing sessions

Cons

Limited performance in After Effects compared to Premiere

Best Use Cases

Light to moderate video editing and creative work

Price-Performance Ratio

Given its performance capabilities, the MacBook Pro 14-inch M1 offers excellent price-to-performance for video editing, especially for users heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem.

Purchase Options

View on Manufacturer’s Website

Asus ProArt StudioBook

The Asus ProArt StudioBook has emerged as a strong contender in the realm of laptops designed for video editing. Users have highlighted its performance capabilities, especially when handling demanding software like Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve. This laptop is particularly recommended for creative professionals who require a reliable machine that can manage heavy workloads without crashing or throttling. While many users still gravitate towards MacBook Pros, the ProArt StudioBook has been recognized as a viable alternative, particularly for those who prefer Windows-based systems.

Features

High-performance NVIDIA RTX graphics card for accelerated rendering and playback.
Large, high-resolution display with excellent color accuracy, ideal for video editing tasks.

User Experiences

One user noted that their Asus ProArt 16” laptop with an Intel i9 processor and 64GB RAM handles everything thrown at it seamlessly, often preferring it over their workstation.

Pros

Excellent performance for video editing and rendering tasks due to powerful hardware specifications.
Great display quality with high color accuracy, which is essential for video editing.

Cons

May not be as widely recognized or trusted as MacBook alternatives among some professional users.

Best Use Cases

Video editing for creative professionals using software like Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and DaVinci Resolve.

Price-Performance Ratio

The ProArt StudioBook is competitively priced compared to similarly specced laptops, offering good value for those in need of a powerful editing machine without breaking the bank.

Purchase Options

View on Amazon

View on Manufacturer’s Website

Price Guide

Find the best option for your budget:

Budget (Under $1,500)

Asus ProArt StudioBook

Mid range ($1,500 - $2,500)

Dell XPS 15 (2021)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M1

Premium (Over $2,500)

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M1 Pro)
Apple M1 Pro

Personalized Recommendations

For Enthusiasts

Dell XPS 15 (2021)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M1

For Professionals

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M1 Pro)
Apple M1 Pro

For Budget conscious

Asus ProArt StudioBook
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M1

Community Insights

Overall Trends

Apple laptops dominate the video editing market due to their performance and reliability.
Windows laptops are gaining traction, especially among users who prefer customization and flexibility.

Top Picks from the Crowd

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M1 Pro)
Dell XPS 15 (2021)
Asus ProArt StudioBook

Controversial Opinions

Some users argue that Windows laptops can match or exceed MacBook performance at a lower price point.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, when selecting a laptop for video editing, it’s essential to consider performance, display quality, and portability. The Apple M1 Pro and MacBook Pro 16 (M1 Pro) are standout choices for professionals seeking top-tier performance, while the Dell XPS 15 (2021) offers a great balance for mid-range users. The Asus ProArt StudioBook serves as an excellent budget option without sacrificing essential features. As video editing software continues to evolve, investing in a capable laptop will ensure that you can handle future demands efficiently.