Welcome to a wild ride through some of the best laptops for video editing in 2024! Get ready for quirky pros, cringe-worthy cons, and all the thrills (and price tags) that come with editing like a pro. We’re throwing in some price estimates too, so you can prepare your wallet before it sees the “add to cart” button!
Alright, so you want to dive into video editing but need a laptop that won’t leave you watching a spinning wheel of doom for hours? No problem. In this mad dash of processors, graphics, and (hopefully) epic battery life, we’re zooming through the best laptops for video editing in 2024. Buckle up, because here come the top 10, with enough quirks and character to leave you entertained, informed, and ready to click “buy.”
10. The Beastly Bargain: Acer Predator Helios 300
Average Price: $1,200 – $1,500
Acer’s Predator Helios 300 offers surprising power for its price, making it a great option for entry-level editors who don’t mind a gaming aesthetic.
Pros:
- RTX 3060 for the Win: Get smooth playback and editing on a budget.
- Ample Ports: Plug everything in without hunting for adapters.
- High Refresh Rate Display: Crisp visuals with a 144Hz refresh rate.
Cons:
- Battery Life Struggles: Lasts around 6 hours, so keep that charger handy.
- Flashy Design: Its gamer look isn’t everyone’s style.
Why We Love It: For editors on a budget who want solid performance, the Helios 300 is an absolute steal.
9. The Multitasking Marvel: ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15
Average Price: $2,500 – $3,200
Two screens on a single laptop? The ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 pulls off the feat, giving you a ScreenPad Plus secondary display for extra multitasking.
Pros:
- Dual Screen Setup: Great for viewing timelines and controls while keeping your main screen clutter-free.
- Fast Processor and GPU: Intel Core i9 with an RTX 3070 GPU means editing is smooth.
- 4K OLED Display: Prepare to be dazzled by the colors.
Cons:
- Heavy: With the second screen, this laptop isn’t exactly lightweight.
- Keyboard Placement is a Bit Weird: Takes a while to get used to the shifted touchpad and keyboard.
Why We Love It: The ZenBook Pro Duo 15 is like having a mini command center on your lap.
8. The Featherweight Apple: MacBook Air M2
Average Price: $1,300 – $1,500
For editors who need something light but powerful, the MacBook Air M2 surprises with what it can handle. It’s ultra-portable, and the M2 chip is surprisingly beefy for light-to-moderate video work.
Pros:
- Silent Operation: No fan noise, no overheating.
- Portable to the Max: At just 2.7 pounds, it’s ideal for editing on the go.
- Great Battery Life: Around 18 hours for uninterrupted work.
Cons:
- Limited to Lighter Projects: Full-on 4K or RAW might give it a run for its money.
- Few Ports: Apple’s minimalist philosophy strikes again.
Why We Love It: For mobile editors and those who want Apple’s sleek performance without spending too much, the MacBook Air M2 is perfect.
7. The Silent but Deadly: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5
Average Price: $2,200 – $2,800
This laptop is quiet, reliable, and ready for serious work, making it a good choice for editors who need power but prefer stealthy performance.
Pros:
- Low Fan Noise: Stay in the editing zone without getting distracted.
- Strong Graphics Performance: NVIDIA RTX 3060 keeps things moving smoothly.
- Sturdy Design: It’s a ThinkPad, after all.
Cons:
- Battery Life is Just OK: You’ll need to stay close to an outlet for all-day work.
- All Work, No Play Design: If you’re looking for flash, this isn’t it.
Why We Love It: If you’re an editing ninja looking for a reliable, no-nonsense laptop, the X1 Extreme is a solid pick.
6. The Transformative Tech: Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
Average Price: $2,000 – $2,500
The Surface Laptop Studio offers an innovative design and a unique hinge that flips it into a tablet, which is perfect for video editors who like a creative twist.
Pros:
- Unique Convertible Hinge: Switch it to tablet mode for editing or stylus support.
- Smooth Stylus Compatibility: Great for drawing or making detailed edits with the Surface Pen.
- Competent Processing Power: Intel Core i7 and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti for solid performance.
Cons:
- Not the Fastest: High-res editing may run into some lag.
- Limited Storage Options: Maxes out at 1TB, which can be tight for large projects.
Why We Love It: A great option for editors who dabble in various creative mediums and need flexibility.
5. The Creator’s Delight: HP Spectre x360 16
Average Price: $1,800 – $2,300
A convertible laptop that doubles as a tablet, the HP Spectre x360 16 is versatile and stylish, making it ideal for content creators who multitask.
Pros:
- 2-in-1 Design: Flip it into a tablet to sketch out ideas or swipe through your clips.
- Solid Mid-Range Specs: Intel i7 processor and Intel Arc GPU for a blend of productivity and creative use.
- OLED Display: Vibrant colors with 100% DCI-P3 accuracy.
Cons:
- Power Falls Short for Heavy 4K: Best for light to medium editing; heavy 4K workloads might show some lag.
- Odd Touchpad Positioning: Takes some getting used to.
Why We Love It: Ideal for creators who like flexibility without sacrificing style or function.
4. The Budget Hero: ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14
Average Price: $1,400 – $1,800
ASUS brings a powerful, compact, and affordable option with the ROG Zephyrus G14. It’s lightweight and portable, yet doesn’t skimp on performance—perfect for editors on the go.
Pros:
- Performance Powerhouse for the Price: Ryzen 9 processor and NVIDIA RTX 3060 give you solid 4K editing capabilities.
- Portable Marvel: At just 3.5 pounds, you can edit from anywhere.
- Battery Backup: Around 10 hours on a full charge for all-day productivity.
Cons:
- Small Screen: Only 14 inches, which might feel cramped for detailed editing.
- Fan Noises: It can get a bit loud when handling heavy loads.
Why We Love It: For budget-conscious creators who still need performance, the G14 is like finding a needle in a haystack.
3. The Style Guru: Razer Blade 15 Advanced Model
Average Price: $2,500 – $3,000
Sleek, black, and ready to pounce on heavy editing projects, the Razer Blade 15 combines looks and power. It’s a gorgeous machine, but it’ll make your wallet quiver.
Pros:
- RTX 3080 Ti Graphics: Ray-tracing for days; perfect for intense rendering and effects.
- Speed Demon Processor: Intel i9 12th Gen processor, making 4K editing feel like 1080p.
- Cool Factor: With a black aluminum build, you’ll feel like a tech ninja.
Cons:
- Battery Life Blues: At best, you’ll get around 5 hours with heavy editing.
- Pricey Pixels: High on style and price, so it’s for those with a taste for luxury.
Why We Love It: If aesthetics matter and you want cutting-edge power, this is your James Bond-approved video editing machine.
2. The Big Screen Bargain: Dell XPS 17
Average Price: $2,500 – $3,200
The Dell XPS 17 brings performance, portability, and a gorgeous display to the table. With a 4K UHD+ screen and NVIDIA RTX 4070, it’s the ultimate Windows powerhouse for video editors.
Pros:
- Fantastic Graphics: The RTX 4070 GPU is optimized for smooth playback and faster renders.
- Expansive Display: 17 inches of 4K beauty, making you feel like you’re editing on a mini IMAX screen.
- Storage Galore: With up to 2TB SSD, your files are ready in seconds.
Cons:
- Heavy Lifter: At nearly five pounds, it’s more of a “desktop replacement” than a portable option.
- Battery Life Isn’t Endless: It’s not bad, but don’t expect all-day editing without a charge.
Why We Love It: If you want a big, beautiful screen and the power to back it up, this is your machine.
1. The Powerhouse Prestige: MacBook Pro 16-Inch (M2 Max)
Average Price: $3,500 – $4,000
The MacBook Pro 16-inch with the M2 Max chip is an editing juggernaut—Apple’s finest specimen. This beast is loaded with power, speed, and the kind of screen that makes you wonder why you ever settled for less.
Pros:
- Ultimate Processing Muscle: Apple’s M2 Max, with a 12-core CPU and a 38-core GPU, handles heavy 4K and even 8K edits like a knife through warm butter.
- Dream Display: The 16-inch Retina XDR display makes colors pop, shadows rich, and whites super bright.
- Battery Life Champ: Up to 22 hours, giving you plenty of juice for those long editing sessions.
Cons:
- Heart-Stopping Price Tag: Be prepared to open your heart (and wallet) wide for this luxury machine.
- Limited Ports: Apple’s philosophy of “less is more” means you might be carrying a dongle army around.
Why We Love It: The MacBook Pro M2 Max is the ultimate editing companion, providing unparalleled power in a sleek, professional package.
And there you have it: 10 epic choices for every editing style, budget, and taste. Whether you want maximum power, sleek style, or a budget-friendly option, these laptops have got you covered!
