The Best Laptop for Video Editing Under $700: Reviews and Buying Guide
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You don’t have to spend a fortune on a laptop that can handle video editing. We’ve got the best options for you, no matter your budget!
Video editing is one of the most challenging tasks for any content creator and producer. To make it easier, you need to find an appropriate machine that will suit your needs and skill set- which can be anything from basic computer knowledge all the way up through expensive professional levels!
If you’re a professional video editor with years of experience under your belt, it makes sense that expensive top-spec laptops would be at the top of your list. However, something cheaper will suffice for more casual users who only do light-duty videos here and there!
Video editors who need to do more than just basic video editing will want a higher-end laptop. However, if you’re looking for something that can meet your needs as an aspiring professional or mid-level worker and still stay within budget constraints, then there are perfect sub-$700 options out there!
When it comes to video editing, there are three different types of users:
- Professionals: Those who want the best possible performance without any limitations on their budget
- Mid-level professionals: with basic needs that can be met by an affordable laptop such as subtitles and trimming footage from external sources alongside more complex tasks like trimming film, cropping, or b-roll projects
- Beginners: You can do everything from trimming videos to cutting scenes with the right equipment. A good processor and budget notebook will help turn your footage into a compelling story in no time!
The creative possibilities are endless when it comes to video editing. There’s no shortage of options from color correction and selective blurring to sequence trimming for cuts that don’t quite line up perfectly across scenes! You can even create your special effects with cross dissolving (where two images show simultaneously) and frame cropping if needed.
Unfortunately, the file and resource editing process is a power-hungry (and expensive) affair. For most of these tasks, you’ll need to rely on an especially powerful processor with plenty of system memory; however, it’s not possible when dealing with video files that are larger than what your computer can handle in its current state!
The thing is, not all laptops are created equal – some are better suited for video editing than others because of their graphics card, CPU, and display. If you’re looking to edit videos, your laptop needs a screen that’s color-accurate and has wider viewing angles. A 60Hz refresh rate will give the best results to fast-moving images without lag time!
As you can imagine, there are a ton of laptops under 700 dollars, but most of them are completely useless for editing video, no matter what skill set you are. Video files are huge and will easily fill up your SSD while draining the life out of your battery.
This article will discuss the best laptop for video editing under $700. We will also provide reviews of some of the best laptops on the market and include a buying guide to help you make the best decision for your needs!
Quick Comparison: Minimum vs. Recommended System Requirements
Luckily, we’re only talking about sub-$700 video editing laptops, and the required system specifications won’t vary much. The minimal requirements will be good enough for basic tasks like text overlays or cropping. At the same time, more powerful models might provide you with better rendering performances and color correction results depending on what type of work they require.
| Minimum | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 8th Gen Intel Core i5 | 10th Generation Intel Core i7 |
| System memory | 8GB RAM | 16GB RAM |
| Display | 14″ FHD | 15.6″ IPS FHD |
| Storage | 128GB | 512GB SSD |
| Graphic card | Intel HD Graphics (integrated) | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 2050 |
| Battery | 6 hours | 8 hours |
Best Laptop for Video Editing Under $700 | Compared
CLICK the images to check Ratings and Reviews
| Image | Title | Buy | Empire Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Top | Lenovo IdeaPad | Buy Now | Best Overall Laptop for Video Editing under $700 |
 | HP 15 | Buy Now | Best Value Laptop for Video Editing under $700 |
 | Dell Inspiron 15 3000 | Buy Now | Best Storage Option |
 | MSI GF63 | Buy Now | Best Lightweight Video Editing Laptop under 700 Dollars |
 | Acer Swift 3 | Buy Now | Best Mid-Range Editing Notebook |
 | Acer Nitro 5 | Buy Now | Best Versatile Laptop for Video Editing under $700 |
 | ASUS Zenbook 14 | Buy Now | Best Widescreen Laptop for Video Editing sub-700 |
Best Laptop for Video Editing Under 700 | Reviews
1. Lenovo IdeaPad
- Do you find yourself juggling too many applications at once? Is your computer slow to start up and sluggish when loading video files? Then the Lenovo IdeaPad is perfect for you. With 20 GB of high-bandwidth RAM and a 512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive, this laptop can run multiple applications and browser tabs without any lag time. You'll be able to boot up in seconds and access your data faster than ever before.
- The Lenovo IdeaPad is a powerful laptop perfect for students and busy professionals. It can handle any task you throw at it with an 11th Gen Intel Core i5 processor 2.40GHz Quad-Core Processor. The 8MB Intel Smart Cache also ensures that the IdeaPad runs smoothly and quickly.
- The turbo clock speeds up to 4.2GHz means you can easily perform exposure adjustment, b-roll cutting, and most single-threaded video editing jobs. As well as that, color grading, video transcoding, and some rendering are made easier thanks to the Intel Iris Xe Graphics.
- You don't have to be a professional video editor to create beautiful videos that capture your memories. With the Lenovo IdeaPad, you can quickly and easily put together your masterpiece using simple tools and an intuitive interface. Plus, with plenty of storage space for all your files, you'll never have to worry about being cramped for space. Powered by a 20GB DDR4 SDRAM and a 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive, this laptop delivers the power and performance you need to get the job done.
- The IdeaPad is perfect for budding Spielbergs and Scorseses out there. With its stunning 15.6 FHD display, you can edit videos with incredible clarity and detail. Plus, you can easily make changes to your projects on the fly with touchscreen functionality.
- The Lenovo IdeaPad video editor is the perfect way to create stunning videos and multimedia content. This powerful device features cutting-edge connectivity and audio capabilities, as well as a backlit keyboard for easy typing in any environment. Whether you're a student, business professional, or creative artist, the Lenovo IdeaPad video editor is the ideal tool for your needs.
- This Media Drive has a 4-in-1 Card Reader that will let you easily transfer photos, music, and videos between your computer and other digital devices. It also has a USB 3.2 Gen 1 port to quickly transfer data, a USB 2.0 port, and an HDMI 1.4b port for watching videos or streaming content on a larger screen. Plus, the headphone/mic combo jack is perfect for listening to music or making calls without disturbing others.
- When you're looking for a powerful laptop that can handle all your 4k video editing needs, the Lenovo IdeaPad L340 is a perfect choice. This laptop features a powerful processor and plenty of memory, making it perfect for editing videos or other multimedia files. Plus, it's lightweight and portable, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
2. HP 15
- Do you edit videos for a living? Do you dabble in video editing as a hobby? Well, have we got the perfect laptop for you! The HP 15 is designed specifically with video editing in mind.
- Editing video on the go just got a lot easier with the HP 15 laptop. This PC is thin and light, making it easy to take with you wherever you go. And with its 6.5-millimeter micro-edge bezel display and 82% screen-to-body ratio, you can see more of what you love.
- Editing video is a demanding task that requires powerful hardware. With the HP 15 laptop for editing video, you can easily edit footage with stunning visuals and no lag time. The 15.6-inch Full HD display ensures that your edits look great, while the IPS panel provides ultra-wide viewing angles. Additionally, the micro-edge design gives you more screen real estate to work with.
- Its integrated Intel Iris graphics support ensures that you'll get smooth performance and great image quality. With the HP 15, you can enjoy top performance and speedy editing without any lag time. You'll be able to work on projects easily, thanks to the 11th Generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor with up to 4.2GHz clock speed.
- Editing video on a laptop can be a pain, especially if that laptop isnt up to the task. But with the HP 15, you'll get performance that rivals most desktops. With its 256 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage and 8 GB of RAM, this laptop will let you edit videos quickly and easily, without any lag time.
- With a long battery life of up to 7 hours and 15 minutes, you can work all day without needing to recharge. Plus, with HP Fast Charge, you can go from 0 to 50% charge in just 45 minutes.
3. Dell Inspiron 15 3000
- Editing video is a serious business, requiring powerful hardware to keep up with your multitasking ways. With 16GB of high-bandwidth RAM and a 256GB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive, the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 for editing video can handle anything you throw at it. Plus, the 1TB Hard Disk Drive provides plenty of storage space for all your videos and other files.
- Editing video on a budget doesnt have to suck. The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 for editing video comes with an 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 Quad-Core 2.40GHz Processor, 8MB Intel Smart Cache, and up to 4.20GHz speed so you can get the job done fast. Plus, it has Intel Iris Xe Graphics so that you can see your edits in real-time.
- With a 15.6 full HD anti-glare display and 1920 x 1080 resolution, you'll be able to bring your creative vision to life in stunning detail.
- With its 2 USB 3.1 ports, 1 HDMI port, and 1 Combination Audio Jack, you can easily connect all your peripherals to the laptop. And with its Wireless-AC + Bluetooth Combo, you can stay connected even when you're on the go. Plus, with its Windows 10 Home 64-bit operating system, you'll be able to run all your favorite software applications.
- Editing video is a process that takes time, patience, and most of all, power. Thats why the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 notebook is such a powerful tool for anyone looking to get their work done. With up to 11 hours of battery life, you can stay focused on your project without having to worry about running out of juice.
4. MSI GF63
- Do your videos lack the finesse they deserve? With MSIs GF63, that wont be a problem. Editing videos is now within reach with this powerful laptop. MSI has outdone itself with the GF63. This laptop is perfect for anyone who wants to edit videos on the go. The 15 FHD display and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 GPU make it ideal for creative work. Plus, with a thin bezel and 4G GDDR5, you'll be able to take your projects anywhere you go.
- MSI has always been a frontrunner in the laptop market, and the GF63 is no exception. This powerful device is perfect for anyone who wants to edit videos on the go. It features an Intel Core i5-9300H 2 4 - 4 1GHz processor and Intel 9560 Jefferson Peak (2x2 802.11 ac) wireless LAN so that you can work with ease.
- The MSI GF63 provides the perfect platform for video editing with its powerful CPU and exceptional turbo clock speed. The trimming, cropping, re-sequencing, and other functions will be a breeze on this device.
- The GF63 is a great laptop to edit videos with its fast 256GB SSD storage and memory. The 8GB DDR4 RAM ensures that editing mid-level files is smooth, without lag or slowdown. The quad-core processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card make video encoding, frame acceleration, color grading, and color scopes faster and smoother.
- This powerful machine is equipped with Cooler Boost 5, which ensures that your CPU and GPU stay cool even when you're working under pressure. Plus, its dedicated thermal solutions keep both components running at top speed for around 7 hours on one charge. It has the right level of connectivity, with 1 Type-C and 3 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, and the Intel-powered Wi-Fi 5 standard powers it. Plus, it's a mid-level professional laptop that delivers great value.
5. Acer Swift 3
- Unleash your creativity with the Acer Swift 3 video editing laptop. Powered by a powerful Intel Core i7-1165G7 Processor with a max clock speed of 4.7GHz, and 8GB RAM, this laptop is perfect for multitasking and intensive applications like video editing.
- The 14 Full HD widescreen display ensures that your videos look great, while the Intel Iris Xe Graphics lets you edit them with ease. With its IPS screen and excellent 83% screen-to-chassis ratio, you'll be able to see every detail of your footage clearly and accurately. Plus, the 100% sRGB color gamut ensures accurate colors every time.
- It has 8GB DDR4 RAM and a 256GB NVMe SSD, which means that you can work on your projects efficiently and run basic to mid-level video editing software. You can also use the Acer Swift 3 for web browsing, photo editing, and simple graphic design.
- It has a USB Type-C Port that offers speeds up to 10 Gbps, making it easy to transfer data and videos quickly. The Thunderbolt 4 port allows you to connect multiple devices, while the USB charging port lets you quickly power up your phone or tablet.
- The Acer Swift is equipped with Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6, which provides speeds up to 10x faster than 802.11ac, so you can easily download and transfer files. Plus, the Acer Bio-Protection Fingerprint Solution allows you to log in quickly and securely. And thanks to up to 16 hours of battery life, you can work on your projects all day long without having to recharge.
6. Acer Nitro 5
- The Acer Nitro 5 is a good candidate for a video editing laptop for creators who also enjoy a spot of gaming! It features a 9th Generation Intel Core i5-9300H Processor and 15.6 inches Full HD Widescreen IPS LED-backlit display, making it capable of handling even the most intensive tasks. Plus, it comes equipped with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Graphics with 4 GB of dedicated GDDR5 VRAM so that you can create high-quality videos and photos with ease.
- This quad-core processor with hyper-threading support is perfect for video editing tasks. With ease, you can use it to run high-end video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro.
- The Acer Nitro 5 is a great video editing laptop for anyone looking to get into the creative profession. It has a powerful chipset that can handle most tasks, and its graphics card helps you take your work to the next level. Whether you're encoding videos or working with color scopes, this laptop will give you the power you need to create great content. This device is also a decent gaming laptop capable of playing the latest AAA-rated titles.
- It comes with 8GB of DDR4 memory and a 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD so that you can work on your projects quickly and efficiently. Plus, its 1-available hard drive bay lets you easily upgrade your storage capacity.
- With its cutting-edge Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6 AX200 802.11ax and fast Gigabit Ethernet LAN, it's perfect for busy professionals who need a reliable machine that can keep up with their demanding work schedule.
- The Acer Nitro 5 is perfect for video editing on the go. The red-backlit keyboard ensures you can work in any environment, and the Acer Cool Boost technology keeps your system cool even under heavy use. Plus, with twin fans and dual exhaust ports, you'll get extra-cool performance to help you power through your editing projects.
- With its 15.6 Full HD IPS display, this Windows laptop provides stunning image quality and clarity for any video project you might be working on. With the Waves MaxxAudio and Acer TrueHarmony feature, you'll be able to enjoy richer, deeper sounds while you're editing your videos. Plus, the intelligent bass and dialog enhancements will give you a competitive edge while gaming or watching movies.
- If you're looking for a great budget laptop for video editing, the Acer Nitro 5 is a great option. It has 8 hours of battery life, and it's packed with powerful specs to help you get the job done. So if you're looking to make your next project look amazing, the Acer Nitro 5 is the perfect tool for the job.
7. ASUS Zenbook 14
- Do you want to be a video editing genius? Of course, you do! And with the ASUS Zenbook 14, you can be. This powerful laptop is packed with features that will make your videos look amazing. Its 14 Full HD display provides a 178-degree wide-viewing angle that is perfect for watching your footage, and the LED backlight ensures that everything looks accurate, bright, and colorful.
- The AMD Ryzen 5 4500U Processor reaching clock speeds of 4GHz, ensures that you'll be able to quickly and easily edit your videos, while the 8GB RAM keeps them running smoothly. Plus, the 256GB NVMe SSD provides plenty of storage space for all of your videos.
- This laptop is equipped with an NVIDIA GeForce MX350 graphics card, perfect for editing videos and other multimedia. Plus, its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities let you stay connected even when you're on the go. And if you need to work in low light conditions, don't worry - the backlit keyboard will keep you productive day or night.
- Editing videos on a Zenbook 14 is a real pleasure. Its USB Type-A ports let you transfer data quickly and easily, while its HDMI port ensures that your videos will look great on any screen.
- On moderate usage, you get 7 hours of backup time. As a result, if you're searching for a portable video editing machine with almost every conceivable function imaginable, the Asus Zenbook 14 is the one to go for.
Video: Best Free Video Editing Software
Best Laptop for Video Editing Under $700 | Buyers Guide
When buying a laptop for video editing, you need to look beyond the specs and features. One of the most important factors is whether or not your computer can handle all of your projects. For example, if you’re planning to create short videos for social media sites such as YouTube or Facebook, you don’t need a high-end laptop with all the bells and whistles.
However, if you’re looking to do professional video editing, then you’ll need a more powerful system that can handle large files and multiple applications running simultaneously. So before you buy, make sure to determine your needs and what type of video editing software you’ll be using.
Here are the main features to consider for your $700 budget.
Graphics card:
While there are some things you can save money on, the graphics aren’t an area where you want to skimp. A good graphics card is essential for editing videos and playing games. It will also ensure your system runs smoothly without crashing or freezing up, which can be frustrating when you’re in the middle of an important project. You’ll need at least 8GB RAM and a dedicated GPU with its memory (VRAM) so look for laptops with either an NVIDIA GeForce or Intel UHD graphics card.
Processor:
The processor is another important factor to consider when purchasing a laptop for video editing. Your processor should be an H-series model or higher if you want to ensure good performance. Be sure to check the clock speed as well, as it’s important to have at least two cores running at a minimum of four gigahertz.
RAM:
You’ll need to have plenty of RAM if you plan on editing videos, as well as other tasks like browsing the web or watching movies while working. Make sure your laptop has at least 16GB DDR4-RAM so it can handle everything seamlessly without slowing down. To be honest, in the sub-700 Dollars price bracket, you’ll mostly find computers with 8GB RAM under the hood, which is sufficient for basic and mid-level editing.
Storage:
You’ll also need plenty of storage space for your videos, so look at laptops with an SSD drive rather than HDD since they’re faster and more reliable overall. Make sure it has enough room to store all the footage you’ll be capturing regularly without running out too quickly (at least 250GB).
Display:
Don’t skimp on your display either! A good monitor is essential for editing videos, so make sure to get one with at least a 1080p resolution (FHD) or higher. IPS panels are also a good idea, as they offer great viewing angles and accurate colors.
Color gamut:
When choosing a laptop for video editing, the color gamut is also something to look for. This measures the range of colors you can display, and you’ll want one with at least 100% sRGB coverage to see all the colors in your videos accurately.
Touchscreen:
A touchscreen is not a necessary feature, but it can come in handy for some video editors. If you decide to go with a touchscreen laptop, make sure the resolution is at least 1920 x 1080 pixels, so everything is sharp and clear and ensure it’s fast and responsive.
Battery life:
Battery life should be a consideration when you’re looking for a laptop, especially if you plan on editing videos while away from a power source. You’ll want to look at laptops with longer battery life so they won’t run out too quickly during your workday or when commuting between locations (at least eight hours).
Portability:
Portability is another thing to think about if you’re editing videos while traveling or on the go. You’ll want a laptop that’s lightweight and easy to carry around, so look at laptops with less than three pounds in weight (two kilograms). If it has a 14-inch screen size, this may also help make your computer more portable.
Connectivity:
You’ll also want to look at the connectivity options on a laptop before buying one, especially if you plan to edit videos while away from home. Ensure there are enough USB ports and an HDMI port to be connected to external devices like monitors or projectors for presentations or conferences. Thunderbolt 4 is a useful kit found on laptops towards the higher end of the budget.
2-in-1 laptop:
You might also want to think about getting a laptop that’s convertible into tablet mode, as this can be useful if you edit videos while traveling or at conferences where there aren’t many tables available. A good example is the HP Pavilion x360, which has an integrated touchscreen and detachable keyboard for easy use in any situation!
If you’re buying a laptop for video editing, it’s crucial to have one that you can use in different modes. If the computer has a touch screen and stylus support, then this is great as you can use them for drawing or writing notes on your work. You should also look at other useful features like a fingerprint scanner, backlit keyboard, or 360-degree hinge.
Screen Size:
When looking for a laptop for video editing, the size of the screen is something to consider. Larger screens make it easier to see everything that’s going on while working, so if you have the budget, try to find one with a 15-inch or larger display.
Audio:
Most of the time, you will be wearing headphones when editing videos. However, the laptop’s built-in speakers are an important consideration because they give you a quick idea of the sound quality. Some laptops have great-sounding speakers, while others do not, and the position of the speakers often hinders this. For example, if they are located on the bottom of the laptop, then they will be silenced when you’re using them on your lap.
The audio on a laptop is also something to think about, especially if you plan on using it for video editing. Good quality speakers can help make your videos sound better, so look for laptops with built-in stereo speakers or at least support for Dolby Audio Premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much RAM do I need to edit the 4K video?
To edit a 4K video, you need at least 16GB of RAM. However, for editing a 1080p or more (including but not limited to the following; 720P/1080i/1080P), we recommend having 24Gb+ of RAM in your computer. If available, you can use 32 GB because it will help with other tasks.
The key is quick access for both CPU and RAM when it comes to performance. Suppose you don’t provide enough data storage space in a system. In that case, these important components will have difficulty performing their tasks quickly no matter how fast other parts may be functioning at any given time. Data must reach all areas of memory as soon as possible, or else starving one area could lead to sluggish behavior from another.
Is 4GB of RAM enough for video editing?
No, it’s not enough for video editing. You need at least 8GB of RAM to edit a decent quality video. If you want to edit UHD videos or more, we recommend having 24Gb+ of RAM in your computer because they will help with other tasks.
What editing software do most YouTubers use?
Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro X, and iMovie are the three most popular video editing software YouTubers use.
Is i5 good for video editing?
The i5 processors are great for editing, but if you plan on rendering or doing any other heavy-duty tasks with your computer, then it might be best to get something faster, such as the i7.
Can i3 edit 4k?
The i3-series Intel processors are not made for editing videos. The processor is good enough to edit a 720P video with basic effects and no transitions or heavy rendering. If you plan to use any of these features, then the Intel Core i3-series CPUs might not suit your needs. For example, if the editing software you’re using requires a high number of cores and hyperthreading.
What processor speed do I need for video editing?
Essentially, if you’re looking to edit videos on a computer with the fastest possible reaction times, then there’s one perfect option – Intel Core i7-6700K. At 4 GHz and eight logical cores per processor input thread, this is an amazing choice for professionals who need quick cuts during their projects! Clock speed is important for computer responsiveness as well. The optimal number of logical cores for Adobe Premiere Pro is 8-12, with a 3+ GHz clock rate, which makes perfect sense since it corresponds to what professionals require in their workstations!
Conclusion
If you’re still not sure which model is right for you, we recommend looking at our detailed table of top laptops that are ideal for this purpose. We’ve included an overview of each computer’s specifications and pros/cons for the different models so that it will be easier to find one that suits your needs.
So, what is the best laptop for video editing under $700? In our opinion, it is a laptop with a 15-inch or larger display, good-quality speakers, and at least 8GB DDR4 RAM. It should also have an Intel Core i5 or a better processor. If you’re looking to edit 4K videos, we recommend having 24Gb+ RAM and 256GB SSD in your computer. Finally, make sure to check the system requirements of your video editing software to ensure that your laptop can handle it.
This article should answer all your questions about which hardware components to focus on when shopping around to get quality performance from your machine – let us know if there’s anything else you’d like clarified or need help with deciding what type of laptop would work best with your budget.
| Image | Title | Buy | Empire Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top | Lenovo IdeaPad | Buy Now | Best Overall Laptop for Video Editing under $700 |
| HP 15 | Buy Now | Best Value Laptop for Video Editing under $700 |
| Dell Inspiron 15 3000 | Buy Now | Best Storage Option |
| MSI GF63 | Buy Now | Best Lightweight Video Editing Laptop under 700 Dollars |
| Acer Swift 3 | Buy Now | Best Mid-Range Editing Notebook |
| Acer Nitro 5 | Buy Now | Best Versatile Laptop for Video Editing under $700 |
| ASUS Zenbook 14 | Buy Now | Best Widescreen Laptop for Video Editing sub-700 |
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