The best laptops for video editing in 2025: Expert tested and reviewed

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Whether you're working on a movie or cutting together a YouTube Short, you need the right equipment. The top laptops for video editing can handle all the processing and rendering commonly seen in this type of work. But the question is: which one do you get? There are even many budget laptops for video editing available. In fact, some of the best graphic laptops can tackle video editing work. But I recommend buying a laptop like the Apple M4 MacBook Pro that specializes in editing and has a high-quality display and powerful hardware.

What is the best laptop for video editing right now?

We've extensively researched and tested dozens of computers for the best video editing laptop. The Asus ProArt P16, for example, has one of the better displays out there and the Dell Inspiron is a solid option too. But our pick for the best overall is Apple's M4 MacBook Pro due to its M4 chipset, stunning Liquid Retina XDR display, and long-lasting battery. It is rather expensive but worth the price. Of course, it isn't the only option out there. Below is a list where we compare the top models from major brands like ASUS and Dell.

Also: The best laptops you can buy for under $1,000

The best laptops for video editing in 2025

Our pick for the best video editing laptop should be no surprise: the 2024 MacBook Pro. Just how good Apple's hardware is for creative endeavors cannot be understated -- the company puts a lot of effort into ensuring its products meet users' needs.

This version houses the company's new M4 SoC (system on a chip), of which there are three variations: the base chip, the M4 Pro, and the M4 Max, with the last being the most powerful. The technology behind the hardware is somewhat complicated, but all you need to know is that they all enable better performance. For example, the M4 MacBook Pro is 1.8 times faster than the M1 model, and those performance numbers go up even higher on the M4 Max.

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There are multiple reasons why this chipset is so good. The base SoC consists of a 10-core CPU (which is made up of four performance cores and six efficiency cores), "a faster 10-core GPU", and 16GB of RAM. The extra memory allows for faster apps as well as better multitasking capabilities. Of course, we can't forget the Neural Engine, which utilizes artificial intelligence to boost performance further.

Like older models, the MacBook Pro has a Liquid Retina XDR display, although there have been a few changes. The glass is now covered in a "matte-frosted layering, significantly reducing glare". And its brightness rating has increased to a maximum of 1,600 nits with HDR enabled.

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Apple MacBook Pro 16 specs: Processor: Apple M4 | Display size: 14 or 16 inches | Operating system: Mac OS | Dimensions: 14 x 9.77 x 0.66 inches

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A high-quality screen is crucial for video editing, ensuring sharp details and accurate visual representation. Asus' ProArt P16 is the best in this regard. It sports a 16-inch AMOLED touchscreen. A display like this provides vibrant colors and deep blacks, which can help editors assess visual contrast and light exposure. It also runs at a refresh rate of 60Hz, which is sufficient to accurately display fluid video playback -- color accuracy is more important.

To help with work, the ProArt's touchpad features a dial pad in the upper left-hand corner. This component allows users to set custom controls for adjusting brush sizes in Photoshop on the side or scrubbing through timelines in Adobe Premiere.

Review: Asus ProArt P16

Besides the display, the laptop boasts some serious muscle. It runs on an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, 32GB of memory, and a dedicated Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card. A setup like this makes the ProArt P16 well-suited for demanding creative workloads. But if you want extra power, Amazon has nine different configurations with up to 64GB of memory and a 16TB SSD. Movie projects demand a lot of space, so having all that additional storage can help manage projects.

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Asus ProArt P16 specs: Processor: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 | Display size: 16 inches | Operating system: Windows 11 | Dimensions: 13.97 x 9.72 x 0.68 inches

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Dell's Inspiron 16 Plus 7640 is a well-rounded laptop that delivers users a great mobile computing experience at a reasonable price. First, you have an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, a chipset that, although it came out a while ago, still holds up to this day. Higher-end configurations can house a dedicated Nvidia graphics card to ensure smooth rendering and video playback of high-resolution footage. And said footage is shown on a 16-inch, 2.5K display running a 120Hz refresh rate.

For audio, the Inspiron 16 has a quad-speaker setup supported by Dolby Atmos to completely envelop you in a bubble of immersive sound.

Review: Dell Inspiron 16 Plus (7640)

The company offers storage configurations of up to 2TB, perfect for content creators managing large media files. Battery life is another highlight, as the computer can last up to 12 hours on a single charge -- an impressive number for a laptop with this level of hardware.

The Inspiron 16 Plus configuration I've described so far can be rather expensive at $1,400 on Amazon. Luckily, there are other, cheaper alternatives available. For example, Dell is selling a model with an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H CPU and an integrated Intel Arc GPU for $800. Its graphical output may not be as strong, but this version does have a more powerful processor.

Dell Inspiron 16 Plus 7640 specs: Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | Display size: 16 inches | Operating system: Windows 11 | Dimensions: 14.05 x 9.87 x 0.72 inches

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Size isn't everything. Sometimes, you need a lightweight computer that can be easily taken on the road. You can travel with a 16-inch laptop; however, their large size makes them difficult to carry. Instead of those, we recommend buying a 14-inch laptop, and the best among them for video editing is the Acer Swift X 14.

Acer's machine proves big things come in small packages. It sports a stunning 2.8K resolution screen that is supported by multiple image-enhancing features. For example, the Swift X 14 covers multiple color spaces to deliver a vivid visual output second to none. Video editors will certainly appreciate the 120Hz refresh rate. This ensures responsive onscreen animations and crisp imagery.

Review: Acer Swift X 14

Under the hood, the Swift X 14 houses some impressive hardware. The Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor is partnered up with the awesome Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card and a nice 32GB of RAM. This setup ensures the machine can handle just about any tough workload you can throw at it. Plus, it's enough to provide a solid gaming experience whenever you want to take a break. Be aware the hardware is power-hungry, so you may experience a quick battery drain.

Acer Swift X 14 (2024) specs: Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | Display size: 14.5 inches | Operating system: Windows 11 | Dimensions: 12.7 x 9 x 0.70 inches

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2024's HP Envy x360 remains a solid choice for video editing in 2025. It combines a high-quality display, decent performance, and a sturdy build, all at a competitive price.

One of its standout features is its 2.8K OLED touchscreen, which delivers "a realistic depth of color and contrast." Like other entries on this list, the display runs at a refresh rate of 120Hz for smooth animations. HP boasts that its laptop is "IMAX certified" due to its ability to show "IMAX-formatted content in [their[ original... aspect ratio." ZDNET Editor Kyle Kucharski states that although this is "flashy designation", the 16-inch screen "does look good".

Review: HP Envy x360

On the back is a pair of DTS:X Ultra speakers. The bass output isn't the greatest, but it does provide clear mid-frequency sound loud enough to be heard even in a noisy kitchen. As the name suggests, it is a convertible laptop sporting a flexible hinge. Users can switch between the two operation modes by moving the screen backward and forward. Its thin 0.72-inch profile allows the Envy x360 to be portable, although it is heavy at 4.23 pounds.

Another benefit of the Envy x360 is its battery, "With only intermittent use," it's capable of lasting several days on a single charge or 10 hours when used nonstop.

HP Envy x360 specs: Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS | Display size: 16-inch 3K OLED touchscreen | Operating system: Windows 11 | Dimensions: 14.04 x 9.68 x 0.72 inches

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Galaxy smartphones make it incredibly easy for users to take high-quality videos due to their advanced camera technology. These mobile devices come with editing tools to improve the footage. But if you want to take video editing to the next level, I recommend the Galaxy Book5 Pro.

The laptop serves as a powerful platform to help people refine their creations. Transferring files is easy, thanks to Quick Share. Your videos are set over to the laptop, where you can work on them. Samsung's Galaxy Book5 Pro sports a large 16-inch AMOLED touchscreen. It outputs at 3K resolution and covers 120% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. It should also be mentioned that it runs at a refresh rate of 120Hz, which ensures smooth video playback.

Review: Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro

Inside the Galaxy Book5 Pro is an Intel Ultra 256V processor and 16GB of RAM. Hardware like this allows for exceptional multitasking capabilities. The laptop didn't falter even with 50 browser tabs, video playback, and software downloads all happening simultaneously. Battery life is another strong suit, as it can last up to 15.5 hours on a single charge. And all this is packed into a slim build that weighs just 3.44 pounds.

Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro specs: Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 256U | Display size: 14 inches AMOLED | Operating system: Windows 11 | Dimensions: 13.99 x 9.93 x 0.50 inches

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For video editors and busy professionals constantly on the go, I recommend the new Zenbook A14 from Asus. It is a lightweight, ultraportable laptop with a brilliant OLED display. The screen outputs vivid colors with a crisp contrast and 600 nits of brightness. This computer runs on a Snapdragon X processor that can be combined with up to 32GB of RAM to deliver a high-performance ideal for creative workloads. Plus, it has a powerful (and quiet) cooling system that keeps internal temperatures low.

Asus' device even boasts an incredible batter life of 32 hours on a single charge. That's enough to last a full workday and then some. It also supports fast charging, allowing the battery to achieve a 75% charge in about an hour.

Review: Asus Zenbook A14

The Zenbook A14's main claim to fame is its design. Its body is made out of a material known as ceraluminum (a combination of ceramic and aluminum). Thanks to this material, the laptop weighs a little over 2.1 pounds, yet it can handle any bumps it may encounter while commuting. It even feels nice to the touch, pairing well with the device's sophisticated design.

Port selection is great, too, featuring HDMI, USB-C, and USB-A. This allows owners to connect their preferred accessories and improve workflow.

HP Victus 15.6 specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X | Display size: 14 inches | Operating system: Windows 11 | Dimensions: 8.42 x 12.23 x 0.63 inches

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Gaming laptops lend themselves very well to video editing. These machines can have some of the best hardware on the market. However, the main problem with these computers is that you can't take them into the office. Their bright RGB lighting can be very distracting. Seeing an opportunity, Dell made a gaming laptop with the office worker in mind: the Alienware m16 R2.

In my review of this laptop, we point out how the device strikes a good design balance between being aesthetically pleasing and practical. It's slim, lacking a bulky thermal shelf on the back, and is covered in a predominantly dark gray color scheme.

Review: Alienware m16 R2

The device's most important feature is its Stealth Mode, which can be activated by pressing F2. Doing so causes the RGB lights to turn white instantly. It's a simple yet handy feature "for when you're in a public setting."

There is more to the m16 R2 besides its looks. It's a powerful machine with an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, and 32GB of RAM. This configuration is excellent for handling all kinds of workloads, making it quite flexible. If that's not enough, it sports a 2K resolution display with a fast refresh rate of 240Hz.

Alienware m16 R2 specs: Processor: Intel Core Ultra 9 | Display size: 16 inches | Operating system: Windows 11 | Dimensions: 14.33 x 9.81 x 0.93 inches

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Due to its powerful hardware and crystal-clear display, the Apple MacBook Pro 16 from 2024 is the best laptop for video editing. Below is a list comparing it to the rest of our picks.

Best laptop for video editing	Starting Price	Processor	Display size
Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2024)	$1,600	Apple M4	14 or 16 inches
Asus ProArt P16	$1,900	AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370	16 inches
Dell Inspiron 16 Plus 7640	$800	Intel Core Ultra 9 185H	16 inches
Acer Swift X 14	$1,300	Intel Core Ultra 7 155H	14.5 inches
HP Envy x360	$950	AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS	16 inches
Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro	$1,150	Intel Core Ultra 7 256V	16 inches
Asus Zenbook A14	$1,100	Qualcomm Snapdragon	14 inches
Alienware m16 R2	$1,600	Intel Core Ultra 9 185H	16 inches

Finding the right laptop can take a lot of work. You're dealing with many numbers being thrown your way, specifications can get confusing, and several of the models have similar if not outright the same, features. It can be tricky to differentiate between laptops.

Below is a table briefly explaining each recommendation and why you should get them. They can help you find the right one to meet your needs.

Choose this laptop for video editing...	If you want...
Apple M4 MacBook Pro	The best video editing laptop, with its stunning Liquid Retina display and high-performing M4 chipset powering it.
Asus ProArt P16	A laptop with the best display. Its vivid AMOLED display outputs vibrant colors and deep abyssal shades of black.
Dell Inspiron 16 Plus 7640	The best value for a video editing laptop. It's a large 16-inch laptop with a vivid 2.5K resolution screen and long battery life.
Acer Swift X 14	The best 14-inch video editing laptop. Although small, the Swift X 14 packs strong hardware for on-the-go editing.
HP Envy x360	The best 2-in-1 video editing laptop. HP's device combines a high-quality touchscreen, a lengthy runtime, and a booming sound system.
Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro	The best video editing laptop for Galaxy owners. Its features make transporting images from your Galaxy to the laptop easy.
Asus Zenbook A14	The best lightweight video editing laptop for video editing. This Asus device weighs a measly 2.1 pounds while packing a speedy Snapdragon X processor and crisp OLED screen.
Alienware m16 R2	The best gaming laptop for video editing. It houses powerful hardware and, thanks to Stealth Mode, fits right in the office.

When picking out the best laptop for video editing, there are multiple factors to consider. The selections we made on the list were made with them in mind. For our evaluation, we weighed the following aspects:

Processor: A CPU directly determines how fast a laptop can process and finish tasks. This includes actions like opening apps to run complex workloads. We specifically looked for advanced and multi-core processors capable of handling video editing programs.
RAM: This refers to the amount of memory present on a laptop. It is essential to buy a device with a decent amount of memory installed, at least 16 G. Of course, it's even better if you can get more. Ideally, you should opt for 32GB. Having a lot of RAM is crucial for a laptop to handle video editing apps, which can be quite resource-hungry.
Graphics: When shopping for a laptop, it is recommended that you choose a model with a dedicated graphics card rather than an integrated one. The former can better handle tough workloads because it won't be sharing power with the CPU. It has its power supply, allowing it to direct its resources to its processes.
Display: You will need a high-quality display for video editing. Professionals have to be able to tell how good (or bad) the footage looks, its color output, and the finer details. Sizes can vary from model to model. Some, like the Strix SCAR 17, have a 17-inch screen, while others are a bit smaller at 14 inches. Big screens are ideal for showing off details, while small screens make the laptop easier to carry around.

ZDNET receives a lot of laptops to review, and honestly, many of them could've made the list. To separate the best from the rest, we follow the criteria mentioned in the previous question: which ones have the nicest displays, the best performance, et cetera. At first, the laptop is tested casually: surf the internet, watch videos, download apps, and work on them just to get a feel for them. From there, we run more labor-intensive apps and perform benchmark tests to see what the hardware is capable of.

Once all the testing is complete, the best of the best are sorted and placed on the list. It can be tricky picking the premiere options. Some, like the MacBook Pro, are a no-brainer because it is such a good machine.

Apple consistently makes some of the best video editing laptops as the company equips its machines with powerful hardware, a long-lasting battery, and access to some of the best software on the market. We could go on and on about how good their models. That said, it's not perfect. Other laptops can be better under certain conditions.

Also: Best HP laptops of 2025

Lenovo's Yoga Book 9i, for example, is a good choice if you want a dual-monitor setup, but don't want to purchase a desktop. People on a budget will go for the Acer Aspire 5 or some other low-cost editing laptop. Simlarly, users who want a machine that double as a solid entertainment device should go for the Alienware m16 R2. See, it all depends on what someone is looking for. This isn't a one-size-fits-all scenario.

There isn't a single laptop that all YouTubers use. It differs from person to person and from team to team. Although, it is probably safe to assume that the MacBook Pro is a common model. As stated earlier, it does so much in cultivating creative endeavors. The M3 chipset is much faster than the first generation. The laptop is also better suited for handling multimedia content thanks to support for HEVC, H.264 hardware acceleration, and ProRes RAW files.

Besides the MacBook, YouTubers probably have a spare workstation computer for editing.

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Video editing laptops tend to be expensive. This is because they tend to house the industry's best hardware. If you look at the list in detail, all entries cost over $1,000 except for the low-priced Acer Aspire 5.

Be prepared to shell out a significant amount of cash for one. The most expensive model on the list is the 16-inch HP ZBook Studio G10, which costs nearly $3,000. And there are builds of the ZBook that cost way more. After that, you have the Asus ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED costing over $2,000.

The one thing we stress is that your make sure whatever laptop you plan on buying meets your needs. There's no point in buying an expensive laptop that'll disappoint you or you purchase something with features you don't ever use.

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16GB of memory is an okay amount for video editing. That's fine for 4K resolution videos so long as you don't have a lot of apps running in the background. However, if you plan on having heavy workloads, you're going to need more. 16GB is not going to cut it. Instead, we recommend buying a laptop with at least 32GB of RAM.

Think of that amount as the golden standard for video editing. 32GB allows you edit all kinds of files and work with longer videos. Of course, more is better. 64GB of memory lets you run multiple apps in the background and tackle 8K footage.

You should, at the very least, have a laptop with 256GB of storage space. Uncompressed video footage and audio files can take up a lot of room on a computer so you'll need as much space as possible. Ideally, it's best to have a 1TB SSD. That's a good amount, but of course, if you can afford more, get the bigger storage space: 2TB, 3TB, whatever.

Laptops constantly go on sale throughout the year. However, many devices see deeper discounts on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. In fact, those two days are usually the best time to purchase laptops.

You might find some decent Boxing Day sales in the week between Christmas and New Years. Many brands join the festivities. Apple slashes the price tag on MacBooks, Dell does the same with Alienware models, and Asus discounts its Swift laptops.

Also: MacBook Pro vs. MacBook Air: How to decide which Apple laptop you should buy