Best Laptop for 4k Editing | Reviews & Top Picks
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Discover a list of the top 4k video editing laptops. Read in-depth reviews with pictures, videos and comparison charts to find the ideal laptop for your needs.
It is essential to have a laptop for 4k editing capabilities for those in the industry or who regularly work with raw HD or 4K video footage.
A high-resolution video requires a lot from your computer, and if it can’t handle it, then you’re going to have some issues. If you’re looking for one that meets the requirements of 4k videos, we’ve got some great choices below!
First off, let’s discuss what kind of hardware you’ll need to edit videos at this resolution. Though there are many different laptops out there that might be able to do the job, they won’t all be able to do so without difficulty. The first thing that comes to mind is the graphics card, which displays all those pixels. The Intel HD Graphics 620 should do just fine for many machines, but if you’re looking for something with more power behind it, look at the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 or higher.
Without a powerful graphics card, your video will play back choppily, and you won’t be able to edit nearly as well. Now, while just about any laptop can handle 4k video editing with this easy requirement, there are still some other things you should look out for before purchasing your machine. The first is the processor since it will dictate how quickly you’re able to do everything. Look for a quad-core i5 or i7 chip to make the best decision.
Choosing a high-quality processor will allow you to edit videos quickly and do other activities without having to worry about things like slow rendering times, which is something you’ll want when working with 4k footage. While some laptops might meet these requirements, they don’t have what it takes to edit 4k videos well. Make sure you choose one that meets all of the following criteria:
- Intel HD Graphics 630 or better
- Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 or higher
- 8+ GB of RAM
- Quad-core i5 processor or higher
Now that you know what you should be looking for let’s look at the best laptops for 4k video editing.
Best Laptop for 4k Editing | Comparison Table
CLICK any image to see Ratings & Reviews on Amazon
Image | Title | Buy | Empire Rating |
---|---|---|---|
Top | Dell XPS 15 7590 | Buy Now | 4.9 / 5 (Best Overall) |
LG LCD Laptop | Buy Now | 4.8 / 5 (Best Value) | |
ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 Laptop | Buy Now | 4.7 / 5 | |
2019 Apple MacBook Pro | Buy Now | 4.7 / 5 | |
Alienware m17 R4, 17.3 inch FHD (Full HD) Gaming Laptop | Buy Now | 4.6 / 5 | |
GIGABYTE AERO 17 HDR XD - 17.3" UHD | Buy Now | 4.5 / 5 | |
MSI Prestige 14 A10SC-229 14" UHD 4K Ultra Thin | Buy Now | 4.5 / 5 | |
ASUS ZenBook 15 Ultra-Slim Laptop | Buy Now | 4.7 / 5 | |
Dell XPS 13 9310 Touchscreen 13.4 inch FHD | Buy Now | 4.5 / 5 | |
MSI GF65 Thin 10UE-047 | Buy Now | 4.4 / 5 | |
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 Ultrabook | Buy Now | 4.7 / 5 | |
Acer ConceptD 3 Ezel CC314-72G-72SX | Buy Now | 4.5 / 5 |
Best Laptop for 4k Editing | Reviews
1. Dell XPS 15 laptop (Best Overall)
- Dells new XPS laptop features an ultra-high resolution screen thats perfect for creative work. The 12 MB Cache 9th Generation Intel Core i7-9750h processor delivers fast performance, and 16 GB of DDR4-2666 MHz memory makes multitasking a breeze. With up to 4. 5 GHz of processing power on six cores, this piece is sure to be part of your long-term workflow for years to come.
- The Dell laptop has the power to take on all your needs in a sleek form. With an ultra-thin display and color-enhanced viewing, it's hard not to notice this tech giant.
- The 9th Generation Intel Core i7 processor will keep you zipping through tasks with ease. At the same time, the larger than average HD 4K resolution allows for multitasking without any pesky clipping or scrolling when moving documents.
- This one-of-a-kind powerhouse is encompassed in protective carbon fiber and aluminum chassis that helps fight off everything from scratches to water spills, so lets just say - its got life!
- Get more out of your creativity with this Dell XPS 15 laptop. Sporting an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 GPU for up to 3x the performance of previous generations, you'll have the tools to video edit without fear or lag when editing high-resolution videos. The fast processor also helps when it comes time for graphics design, photography, and game broadcasting.
- With the Dell XPS 15 laptop, you'll be able to enjoy professional-grade graphics. Immerse yourself in up to four times better graphics compared to your previous model with CinemaColor. Don't just watch - experience cinema-like audio with Waves MaxxAudio Pro and be truly captivated by the deep bass and rich sound that surrounds you. Better yet, maintain high streaming quality without buffering thanks to CinemaStream technology.
Related reading: Best Laptop Under $200 | Reviews and Buying Guide
2. LG LCD Laptop 16″ WGXGA (Best Value)
- With the LG Laptop, you'll get a viewing experience thats out of this world. Whether editing photographs or watching your favorite Netflix show, the 16 W-QXGA IPS LCD will provide all the high-quality visuals to keep you entertained right at home. And with enough processing power to do it at lightning speed, never worry about waiting for your computer again.
- Its Intel Evo Platform powered by an 11th gen intel core i7 processor includes an Intel Xe graphics card - ensuring the smooth performance of graphically intense tasks and delivering category-leading battery life and elimination for stutter between input and onscreen action.
- This laptop is made for conquering your most daunting challenges with a sleek, durable design and robust components. Do what you love without the worry of slowing down with 16GB LPDDR4X 4266mhz RAM that delivers top-of-the-line performance alongside 256GB M.2 PCIe SSD memory with incredible storage speeds to keep you crushing deadlines all day long.
- With no need for an extra power cable or battery pack so that you can take it anywhere and everywhere with ease, the LG Laptop is ready and stays ready for up to 22 hours per battery charge.
3. ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 Laptop
- Experience more with the ASUS ZenBook Pro UX581 laptop, which pushes the boundaries of what a 15.6-inch notebook can offer. Whether you're using this powerful computer for work or play, you won't be disappointed.
- Whether it's a task as simple as checking Facebook or something as complicated as editing 4K video on Adobe Premiere CC 2018, multitasking has never been more effortless. This ultra-thin notebook with performance is pretty much the envy of other machines out there - all at a mere 5.5lbs!
- The latest 10th Gen Intel Core i7 Six-Core is seated underneath the stunning crystal-clear 40% NANO EDGE display giving you everything from fantastic sound to picture quality.
- It is equipped with NVIDIA graphics up to three times faster than before and is too good to pass on. For professionals who need more speed, this powerful machine has it in spades when editing large 3D projects, and 4K footage is just the cherry on top of what is already a delicious cake.
- The ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 laptop is a marvel in engineering. The 4K secondary touchscreen effortlessly blends in with your workflow and provides endless possibilities to optimize and personalize. The built-in apps for this extra touchscreen provide intelligent functionality and boost productivity, so no matter what you're working on, you'll be able to shorten your time spent editing and more time delivering.
4. 2019 Apple MacBook Pro
- Apple is the epitome of quality and innovation-everything they make, from their hardware to their software, has been thoroughly thought through. This includes the latest MacBook Pro models. The 2019 Apple laptop lineup features a beautiful 16 Retina display with True Tone technology for accurate color reproduction and minimum screen glare and a state-of-the-art 8th generation Intel Core i9 processor up to 2.3 GHz (wow!). Plus, Touch Bar support and Touch ID for those looking for an even more secure device!
- Not only is this thin and lightweight laptop speedy, powerful, and energy-efficient, but it also blows other laptops audio quality out of the water.
- Deep inside this beautifully crafted aluminum body, a team of high-level designers created a computer for what you do every day: Creative work. What sets this MacBook Pro apart from others? It was explicitly designed with creative minds in mind. You get a gorgeous display thats bright enough to show off your work in any room, a trackpad that supports Force Touch technology and allows you to do more while using less space, and a keyboard that was engineered for durability.
- With these tried and true components inside that sleek shell, you know your new machine will run smoothly no matter what you throw at it.
5. Alienware m17 R4
- Youve taken the time and energy to produce a masterpiece, but what about your video? It turns out that editing it yourself can be difficult, expensive, or just leave you unimpressed. We get that- which is why Alienware believes in giving creators access to high-quality tools at great prices.
- This computer is perfect for professional video editing or anything else you need to get done fast with precision. Full of top-notch hardware, this beauty does it all for you so productivity can be your actual genius signature today.
- Alienwares 17-inch flagship gaming laptop produces a responsive, lag-free experience that gives you an advantage over your opponents. You can use NVIDIA GameStream to stream gameplay from an NVIDIA GeForce GTX workstation card or GPU. This is all powered by 10th-generation Intel Core i7 processors and Nvidia graphics cards for this best of both worlds experience.
- Graphics are created using the Alienware 17 R4s 100% sRGB color gamut and optimized 360 Hz refresh rate with 5ms latency so games appear as they should: bright and vivid on the screen, bringing out every detail without any flaws or line flickering.
- Welcome to the future of video editing. Now is your chance to learn and master with one of Alienwares most sought-after models: the m17 R4 Video Editor. This laptop features a 1920 x 1200 resolution, 16GB 2933 MHz DDR4, 1TB PCIe SSD, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6 GB GDDR6 for supreme performance in HD-quality content creation.
- It also contains Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650i 802.11ax 2x2 Wireless LAN + Bluetooth 5.1 for high-speed connectivity without interruptions or delays in file downloads and uploads - which is why we think this product holds some pretty significant potential when it comes to creativity and productivity.
6. GIGABYTE AERO 17 HDR XD
- GIGABYTEs AERO 17 video editing laptop is the ultimate multimedia production machine. Featuring NVIDIA RTX 3070 GPU with 8GB RAM, up to 1290MHz boost clock speed, 105W max graphics power, 3D Video Editing Mode, and more-you can create stunning movies anywhere you are. Now its never been easier to have access to Hollywood-level visuals on your laptop.
- The GIGABYTE AERO 17 HDR is a powerhouse in video editing. With the latest 11th Gen Intel Core i7-11800H (2.3GHz~4.6GHz), 16GB Memory (64GB Max), and 1TB SSD, you'll edit any HD or Ultra HD video like it's butter on toast with this beast of a machine! 17.3 Thin Bezel 4k UHD 3840x2160 will give you a tremendous immersive workspace for your videos.
- GIGABYTE has always been at the forefront of innovation, hands down. Having created one of the best laptops for filmmakers on this side of town, they come back with their new AERO 17 creator laptop. Boasting a 100% Adobe RGB IPS display and factory-calibrated colors, this PC is ready to go right out of the box. You'll never have to calibrate or set up again thanks to GIGABYTEs superior design knowledge making sure you're getting not just what you want - but also what you need!
7. MSI Prestige 14 A10SC-229
- This PC packs some serious power. Featuring the all-new Intel 10th Gen processors, MSI Prestige 14 is equipped to handle anything you can throw at it. Take on multiple tasks overlapped seamlessly with this mighty machine, ready for the future of work! The new processor architecture enables substantial performance improvements across CPU and GPU workloads - delivering on that promise of one laptop does all.
- The MSI Prestige 14 is the ultimate desktop for video editing with its powerful i7 CoreCore and Nvidia GTX 1650 Max Q graphics coprocessor to allow you to accomplish your dreams. If you're looking for a laptop that will allow you to edit video on the go without compromising on performance, then MSI Prestige is one of your best bets.
8. ASUS ZenBook 15 Ultra-Slim Laptop
- ZenBook 15 is designed for video editors- or any creative person who appreciates the power of raw, unbridled creativity. ZenBook 15 can handle intensive processes like 3D rendering with ease- allowing you to focus on your art without thinking about tech complications.
- And with screen ratios near perfect for viewing videos and graphics, editing them has never been easier; converting edits into professional-quality videos takes minutes instead of hours thanks to support for 4K display.
- With forward-thinking design and superfast processors, you'll never use the power of your ASUS ZenBook 15 Ultra-Slim Laptop for anything less. From editing videos on set to finalizing edits in a local coffee shop, no project is too complex with the latest 10th generation Intel Core i7-10510U Quad-Core Processor (8M Cache, up to 4.9 GHz). With NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q Discrete Graphics, 512GB SSD storage, and 16GB RAM, you'll have all the speed and power you need for any video editing task.
- The ASUS ZenBook 15 Ultra-Slim Laptop is perfect for video editors on the go. It has a low-profile design with an anti-glare display and a built-in IR camera so you can sign in with Windows Hello to access your apps faster.
- This laptop features extensive connectivity options, including HDMI, USB Type C, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, an SD card reader capability which means you'll never need a cable again to transfer files! The sleek design weighs a smidge over 3.5 pounds and has a battery life of up to 6 hours.
9. Dell XPS 13 9310 Touchscreen
- The XPS 13 9310 Touchscreen Video Editor is an ultra-portable, full HD touchscreen laptop with a stunning InfinityEdge display. It comes with Intels most powerful processor in its size yet, which can be boosted up to 4.8GHz per Core. The laptop has 16GB of RAM for lightning-quick videography editing and 512GB of fast storage-no more worrying about being low on hard drive space.
- This laptop boasts an Intel Iris AX1650 graphics card, Killer Wi-Fi 6AX 1650 (2 x 2) Bluetooth 5.1, and up to two terabytes of storage space. It has a slim design that fits comfortably in your lap or on your desk at home or work.
- Revitalize your artistic vision with the Dell XPS 13 9310 Touchscreen Video Editor. This notebooks Intel Iris ix Graphics shared graphics memory provides stunning, vibrant visuals and enables smooth 4K resolution output to provide high-quality digital content. Whether you're an aspiring artist or video editor who needs powerful performance, this is the laptop for you.
10. MSI GF65 Thin 10UE-047
- The MSI GF65 Thin 10UE-047 is an unrivaled gaming experience without sacrifice. With its ultra-thin and lightweight design, this laptop will enable seamless work and play on the go. Plus, no matter what you do with it - text or heavy video editing - you'll never get caught up in frustrating lag times again because of the quick high refresh rate screen coupled with a powerful UHD graphics engine. You can't lose!
- The MSI GF65 features an Intel Core i7 10750H 2.6 GHz CPU with 16GB RAM, so you'll have enough storage for your projects as well as multitasking without struggling to maintain speed. Not only does it come with a 512GB SSD, but its dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX3060 Max-Q 6 GB GDDR6 will make sure all of those videos look superbly sharp and read the files at top speeds. What makes this video editor even better is that it's entirely usable in total darkness - just flip on the keyboard backlight!
- MSIs GF65 is perfect for serious gamers, streamers, and content creators. In addition to a sleek, thin design with a host of features designed specifically for the needs of the digital era, this beastly machine has 16GB (8G*2) DDR4 3200MHz RAM, which can max out at 64GB while still sporting an intuitive user interface.
- It also includes a 512GB NVMe SSD as well as an Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201(2*2 ax) card that will ensure your lag time from your internet connection is noticeably reduced. Whether you're using it to edit HD video footage or play modern games on ultra graphics settings, this laptop will be able to keep up with your creativity.
11. OEM Lenovo ThinkPad X1
- The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 is a feature-rich high-performance machine that will meet the needs of even the most demanding users. It's powered by an Intel Core i7 Hexacore processor and 64GB of RAM, giving it enough power to be used as a video editor. With its 1TB NVMe SSD, you'll never sacrifice speed for capacity again!
- The fingerprint reader enhances security while also making user log-ins quicker and more convenient. The 15.6 1920x1080 IPS display ensures your visuals are crisp and vibrant, whether photo editing or watching movies in Full HD resolution.
- Experience workstation-class graphics with the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti 4GB / Intel UHD on your Lenovo ThinkPad X1. The laptop even comes with an ergonomic keyboard for comfort, delivering everything you need to complete any task on this sleek machine.
- On-location video editors, you'll need to edit on the go with this laptop thats portable and efficient for your workflow. Enjoy high-quality audio thanks to the Dolby Atmos sound system. It features three magnet speakers, so everyone enjoys the same level of surround sound whether theyre sitting at their home or wirelessly sharing their experience live with others in attendance. The HD webcam comes with a ThinkShutter camera privacy cover.
12. Acer ConceptD3 Ezel CC314-72G-72SX Convertible Creator Laptop
- Introducing the Acer ConceptD 3 Convertible Creator Laptop. The best laptop with a touchscreen that flips over to serve as a tablet when you want to get creative or just need to be on your feet for any reason! The 10th Generation Intel Core i7-10750H 6-Core Processor, Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 GPU, and Windows 10 Home are all designed in concert so you can create your best work without bottlenecking talent at every step.
- And because this device is always connected to the Internet through robust 802.11ac Wi-Fi connectivity, everything flows seamlessly from creativity straight into the cloud, where it's shared instantly with clients around the world.
- Escape from reality with plenty of room for all your neat ideas, sketches, and more on this gorgeous full HD 1920 x 1080 widescreen LED-backlit IPS touch screen laptop. With a Pantone validated display that delivers excellent color accuracy and deep blacks to help you get noticed.
- The Acer Convertible Creator Laptop is sleek and stylish that brings you excellent power and speed. With its elegant yet durable metal design and Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6 AX201 802.11ax Dual-Band 2.4GHz and 5GHz featuring 2x2 MU-MIMO, this laptop eliminates connectivity problems in congested environments, airports, conference halls, or crowded coffee shops. It ensures an uninterrupted wireless connection for video streaming or running multiple apps at once with zero lags.
Video: How to use Free Windows 10 Video Editor
Frequently Asked Questions
How important is a powerful graphics card in your video editing laptop?
While a graphics card is super essential for gamers, video editors can get away with a cheaper card that’s slightly cheaper than the one in your PC gaming rig. Nearly all video editing software needs a powerful CPU, but you will obtain a better user experience if you have one because they need it for rendering and encoding.
Do you need a 4k laptop to edit 4k video?
You need a 4k laptop for editing 4k videos if you plan to edit these types of high-resolution videos. These videos require heavy processing power, and the only way to process them smoothly is with a powerful computer. If a 4k laptop is out of your budget, use the HDMI port to hook up a separate 4k screen.
Can you do professional video editing on a laptop?
Of course, you can. Many video editing professionals create their best work on laptop computers. You don’t need to have one of the laptops on this list to edit your videos, but it will help if you want a highly accurate color space and powerful processor for rendering your masterpieces.
What is essential in a laptop for video editing?
To create professional-looking videos, you need a laptop with powerful hardware and software. To achieve high-quality visuals for your video projects, look for laptops that come with features such as:
– Powerful processor (Intel Core i7 or equivalent)
– Plenty of RAM (16GB+)
– Dedicated graphics card (Nvidia GTX 10 series)
– Hard drive with at least 256GB of space (SSD is best)
– 4K (3840 x 2160) display
– Professional color space (P3 wide color gamut)
– Multiple screens
– Thunderbolt or Firewire port
Mac or Windows laptop for video editing?
It depends on what type of videos you’re editing. Generally, Macs are preferred by video professionals because they can handle most types of footage better than Windows machines. On the other hand, Windows is more versatile and can be used with everything else. If you create lots of different kinds of content, opt for Windows so that it’s easier to switch between projects. They’re generally less expensive machines too.
Can a gaming laptop be used for video editing?
Yes, you can use a gaming laptop for video editing. However, you’ll need to ensure that your computer has the necessary hardware and features to edit your videos smoothly. If not, expect frequent stuttering and crashing during rendering sessions.
Laptops vs. Desktops for video editing
Laptops have advanced tremendously, and over the years, it’s become increasingly easier to edit videos on them. Picking a laptop is about how much you need, portability vs. size & weight, power, and price point. Desktops are better for custom builds and starting fresh. Laptops tend to be more expensive than making your desktop computer, with all of its components being brand new.
Desktops are more stable because they don’t often move. In contrast, laptops are constantly being moved around, which can cause damage to the laptop’s internal hardware because of being bumped or knocked over, but it also means that laptops are more portable.
Let’s break down the five things to consider when choosing a laptop over a desktop computer
Performance
People need to consider how much they are willing to pay for a laptop that will be powerful enough for their needs. When weighing the pros and cons, people should consider how much it costs to buy a computer compared to building a desktop computer. For example, if you’re purchasing the components together instead of piecemeal over time, the cost of a laptop is more expensive. Plus, desktops are way easier to upgrade, and their features are generally cheaper.
However, if you’re looking for a cheaper option and want to get some basics going while saving money, buying a less expensive laptop works too, depending on the specification. A decent video editing laptop must have a powerful processor and a graphics card. Most video editing software relies heavily on the GPU to process videos faster, which is why having a gaming laptop for video editing is recommended because they have more powerful GPUs.
That being said, if you’re starting, buying a cheaper laptop might be what you need until you can afford a more expensive one.
Buy on AmazonDurability
People must consider how much they are willing to spend on a laptop that can handle the physical demands of video editing work. A 4k laptop for video editing should be able to last a long time and take a few knocks along the way. Most laptops aren’t as durable as desktop computers because they’re designed to be portable and moved around.
However, some laptops can handle everyday bumps and bruises. So, people should look for a sturdy laptop if their work involves traveling with it often or moving it around frequently.
Laptops are also prone to overheat, so you should check that their notebook has enough room for airflow, cooling vents to keep the device cool during video editing. If it overheats, the system will automatically shut down and not function until it’s cooled down again.
It won’t last as long as a desktop computer if the laptop isn’t designed well for heat dissipation.
Portable
Most people who work on the go, whether it be for a home business or on the road traveling from one job to another, need a high-quality laptop that’s lightweight and portable.
A light video editing laptop also allows easy travel between locations where they have to set up shop. They can easily carry their computer from place to site and set up their workstation wherever they want.
On the other hand, a desktop computer takes up too much physical space and isn’t very portable. It’s cumbersome to go from one location to another with a desktop computer in tow, and it would be challenging to take it on business trips.
Mobility is vital for people who travel often or are freelancers that work out of their home office.
Buy on AmazonMultiple screens
A lot of video editors like to work with multiple screens. Some video editing laptops come with two or more monitors, which provides the user with more screen space and makes it easier to edit their videos. You can hook up a desktop computer to several screens, but it usually isn’t as flexible as a laptop.
However, some laptops are designed to accommodate more than one monitor, so the user can have two or three screens hooked up to their computer at once. They might need special adapters for some laptop models to hook up multiple monitors because not all laptops have the necessary ports.
Usability
Most video editors will be sitting in front of their computers for hours on end while they work. So, the laptop must be comfortable to use for long periods. The screen should be easy to view without straining one’s eyesight, and it should have enough resolution so that the images are sharp and clear.
The keyboard should also provide a good typing experience. A responsive keyboard helps with productivity when editing videos. The keystrokes should be straightforward to distinguish from each other.
The trackpad should also be responsive because the user might not always use a mouse when editing videos on their laptop. So, there should be little or no lag when navigating around an application with their trackpad or touchscreen.
When deciding which to buy, you must consider your needs, price point, and projects. If you are frequently meeting clients at the project site, a laptop will be the obvious choice.
Buy on AmazonThe buying guide on how to choose the best 4k video editing laptop
Video editing requires a powerful computer and a hard drive with a lot of space to play back high-resolution videos smoothly. This guide will go over the best features and specs you must have for video editing.
CPU and Memory
A video editor needs a laptop to handle all the processing power required to edit high-resolution videos as quickly as possible. For this to happen, you need either a high-end laptop with good specifications or a good gaming laptop that has been optimized for video editing.
A powerful processor is necessary, as well as plenty of RAM so that your computer can process large data sets without slowing down too much.
You’ll want a CPU with high GHz. The higher the GHz, the faster your computer can process video files without slowing down or getting stuck. Because several applications will be running at once while you edit your videos, you must have a speedy processor to make sure everything runs smoothly and efficiently. It’s recommended to look for at least an Intel Core i7 processor.
RAM is another important feature because it affects how quickly your laptop can access files. The more RAM, the faster your computer will process large video files and projects without running into snags.
While there are many different kinds of RAM, you should find a laptop with either 8GB or 16GB. However, if you must choose between one or the other, go with 16GB because it’s better than upgrading later (which will cost more money).
Buy on AmazonSSD Storage
A video editor needs a laptop with enough storage space to save multiple video clips for editing. It must have at least one solid-state hard drive (SSD) that is big enough to support the resolution of the videos you’ll be working on.
Many laptops come with solid-state or hybrid drives, which are also good choices for video editors who want an efficient, high-performing machine.
Screen Size and Resolution
You’ll need a laptop with a large FHD monitor so that you can see the details in your video clips, as well as enough resolution so that everything looks sharp and clear. Video editors usually choose between two sizes:
– 14 inches for smaller, more lightweight laptops
– 15 to 17 inches if portability isn’t much of an issue
A larger monitor is recommended because it allows you to edit videos more efficiently. The pixels should be large enough, so you don’t see the individual squares when looking at your video clips.
A minimum of 1920 x 1080 resolution is recommended for working with 4k video editing, although 2560 x 1440 resolution is even better if it’s available on your monitor. You can also find ultra-wide monitors with 3440 x 1440 resolution, which will be a good choice for video editors who want to see more of the details in their videos.
Backlit keyboard
A backlit keyboard is helpful if you’re editing your videos in low-light locations, such as an office space or meeting room. This feature makes it easier to see what keys are under your fingers so that you can move around the screen without having to strain your eyes too much. You’ll be much more productive.
As a side note, while gaming laptops do make excellent video editors, they sometimes have a strange keyboard layout, so best to check first.
Ports and Connections
You can’t edit videos if you don’t have a way to transfer them from your camera or external hard drive onto the laptop. The best laptops for video editing should contain plenty of ports and connections so that you can plug in whatever device you need to use at a given time.
For example, USB 3.0 is an ideal port for transferring video files from a camcorder or camera to a laptop. It’s also a good idea to look for a computer with an HDMI output so that you can connect the computer directly to your TV without having to use an adapter or converter.
In addition, most modern laptops have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting online and uploading your content to a platform such as YouTube.
Screen type
There are two types of screens – IPS panel and TN (Twisted Nematic) panel.
Most gaming laptops possess TN panels because of the high response time, but the screen becomes blurred and ghost-like if not sat directly in front of it. So, think about your own work needs here. Does a colleague or client ever view the video while seated next to you? If so, one of you is likely to experience a change in color and contrast.
The solution is to opt for the IPS panel because it eliminates the distortion when viewed from different angles.
Buy on AmazonWeight and size
If you need to move your laptop around quite frequently, it’s worth investing in one that’s lighter and slimmer. You’ll be amazed at how much more productive you are when you have a lightweight machine to work with.
The best laptops for video editing will weigh less than five pounds so that you can take them with you to business meetings or conferences. Modern laptops have been engineered to be slimmer without reducing screen or keyboard size.
Battery Life
If you plan to edit videos outdoors or away from home, it’s important to consider battery life. You’ll want your laptop to last between 3 and 5 hours so that you can keep editing even when you’re on the move.
Some manufacturers make claims about battery life that are slightly exaggerated, so it’s essential to read reviews online before deciding on the model you’re interested in. Video editing requires a lot of power, and so the battery must stand up to that test as it’s not always possible to plug into a mains power source.
Buy on AmazonAudio
Good laptop audio is vital to the editing process.
The best laptops for editing video will have a stereo or surround sound so that you can hear your media playback properly. A computer with a headphone jack is needed to edit without disturbing other people, and you can listen to the playback without any distortion.
It’s also worth researching the sound during video calls, as it’s highly likely you’ll be liaising with your client during the project. Being able to hear them in any location will showcase your professionalism and reliability and is a must if you’re considering working from home. While a budget laptop can perform well, it’ll be worth investing in a high spec laptop, especially if you’re pitching to a high-end client.
Conclusion
Laptops come in many different shapes and sizes, and your choice will depend on the particular features you need.
The best laptops for editing video contain a powerful processor, as well as an abundance of USB ports and enough RAM to handle whatever task comes their way. The screen should be clear and easy to see at all times without any distortion, and the volume should be high enough to hear without headphones.
However, there are certain features that are essential to any kind of video editing including a powerful processor, good battery life, fast Wi-Fi connectivity, plenty of USB ports and an HDMI output so that external devices can be connected with ease. These specs ensure smooth playback at all times, and will be instrumental when it comes to video editing.
In addition, the two main types of screen – IPS panel and TN (Twisted Nematic) panel both have their pros and cons for videographers. A high-resolution display with a powerful processor and ample RAM ensures smooth playback and ease of use.
So, if you’re looking for the best laptops for video editing, search no further!
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