Best 10 Laptops for Video Editing in 2024 Must Know Features
When it comes to video editing, having the right laptop is non-negotiable. A laptop that can handle 4K or even 8K video footage without lag, deliver accurate colors, and render projects quickly is essential. But with so many options in the market, how do you pick the best laptop for video editing in 2024? Whether you’re a professional editor, a freelancer, or someone editing videos for YouTube or Instagram, this guide will help you make an informed choice.
Here’s a list of the top 10 laptops for video editing in India in 2024, catering to a variety of budgets and needs.
1. Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch M4 Max
The Apple MacBook Pro has long been the gold standard for creative professionals, and the M4 Max chip in the 2024 version cements its reputation. This laptop is tailor-made for high-end video editing, making it a top pick for professionals handling 4K or 8K footage. The 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display delivers exceptional brightness and color accuracy, which is crucial for precise color grading.
Additionally, Apple’s macOS ecosystem and optimized software like Final Cut Pro make the MacBook Pro the best laptop for video editing for many users.
- Best for: Professional filmmakers and editors working on large, complex projects.
- Battery Life: Up to 22 hours.
- Price in India: ₹2,99,900.
2. Asus ProArt Studiobook 16
Creators looking for a high-performance Windows alternative should consider the Asus ProArt Studiobook 16. Designed with video editors and designers in mind, its 16-inch 4K OLED display offers unparalleled color accuracy with 100% Adobe RGB coverage. This laptop is powered by Intel Core i9 processors and NVIDIA RTX 4070 GPUs, ensuring smooth rendering of complex timelines and animations.
With a dial integrated into its keyboard for editing tools, the Asus ProArt Studiobook streamlines workflows, making it one of the best laptops for video editing for Windows users.
- Best for: Editors who need high customization options.
- Price in India: ₹2,20,000.
3. Dell XPS 15
The Dell XPS 15 is a blend of sleek design and powerful performance. Its 16:10 InfinityEdge display offers stunning visuals with near-borderless edges, making it perfect for video editing. Backed by Intel i7 or i9 processors and NVIDIA RTX 4050 GPU, this laptop handles heavy editing projects effortlessly.
Its lightweight body and exceptional portability make it one of the best laptops for video editing, especially for editors who travel frequently.
- Best for: Editors who need portability without compromising power.
- Price in India: ₹1,90,000.
4. MSI Creator Z16
The MSI Creator Z16 is built for serious creators. Featuring Intel Core i9 processors and NVIDIA RTX 4060 GPUs, it handles complex rendering tasks with ease. The 16:10 QHD+ display ensures vibrant visuals, and its sturdy build makes it a reliable companion for professional video editors.
MSI has also optimized this laptop for creative workflows, offering software support for Adobe tools, which makes it one of the best laptops for video editing for advanced creators.
- Best for: Filmmakers and advanced creators working on 3D and 8K editing.
- Price in India: ₹2,30,000.
5. HP Spectre x360 14
If versatility is your priority, the HP Spectre x360 14 is an excellent 2-in-1 option. Its OLED display delivers vibrant colors and supports the DCI-P3 color gamut, ensuring your edits look as accurate as possible. Powered by Intel Evo processors, it’s fast, lightweight, and perfect for creators who work on smaller editing projects or travel often.
This laptop is a strong contender for the best laptop for video editing in the mid-range segment, offering great value for money.
- Best for: Freelancers and part-time creators.
- Price in India: ₹1,60,000.
6. Lenovo Legion 5 Pro
The Lenovo Legion 5 Pro brings gaming-level performance to video editing. Equipped with AMD Ryzen 7 processors and NVIDIA RTX 4060 GPUs, it can handle multitasking, rendering, and playback of high-resolution video files without lag. Its large display offers accurate colors, making it a great choice for editors working on tight budgets.
This model is often recommended as one of the best laptops for video editing for those seeking high performance at a competitive price.
- Best for: Budget-conscious editors looking for powerful hardware.
- Price in India: ₹1,30,000.
7. Acer Nitro 5
The Acer Nitro 5 is the perfect entry-level option for aspiring video editors. While it’s more affordable than other laptops on this list, its Intel i7 or Ryzen 7 processors and NVIDIA GTX 1650 GPU make it capable of handling basic editing tasks and 1080p videos efficiently.
For beginners or students, this laptop is an excellent way to get started with editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve, making it a contender for the best laptop for video editing on a budget.
- Best for: Beginners and students starting in video editing.
- Price in India: ₹90,000.
8. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
Compact yet powerful, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 offers a great balance for creators who game and edit. It features an AMD Ryzen 9 processor and an NVIDIA RTX 4060 GPU, making it one of the most versatile options on this list. The high refresh rate display ensures smooth playback, which is a bonus for editors working with high-frame-rate footage.
This laptop is frequently recommended as the best laptop for video editing for multitaskers.
- Best for: Editors who game and create.
- Price in India: ₹1,70,000.
9. Lenovo Yoga 9i
The Lenovo Yoga 9i offers a unique dual-screen setup, allowing you to multitask like never before. Its 14-inch 4K OLED display is perfect for editing, while its flexible design allows for tablet-like usability. If you’re experimenting with workflows or need a portable laptop, the Yoga 9i is one of the best laptops for video editing in India.
- Best for: Creators looking for unconventional, flexible workflows.
- Price in India: ₹1,80,000.
10. Apple MacBook Air M2
For editors who focus on lighter projects like social media videos, the MacBook Air M2 offers excellent performance at a more affordable price than the Pro models. Its M2 chip handles light 4K editing efficiently, and its sleek design makes it highly portable.
This laptop is one of the best laptops for video editing for creators working on a budget or for those who edit primarily short videos.
- Best for: Social media content creators and part-time editors.
- Price in India: ₹1,09,900.
Key Features to Look for in the Best Laptop for Video Editing
Choosing the best laptop for video editing involves more than just picking the newest model. Here’s what you should focus on:
1. Processor (CPU):
A powerful CPU ensures faster rendering and smoother editing. Look for Intel Core i7/i9, AMD Ryzen 7/9, or Apple’s M-series chips.
2. Graphics Card (GPU):
A dedicated GPU like the NVIDIA RTX series or AMD Radeon speeds up the rendering and playback of high-resolution footage.
3. RAM:
Editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve requires at least 16GB of RAM. For professionals, 32GB or more is recommended.
4. Storage:
Opt for an SSD (Solid State Drive) for faster file access. A minimum of 512GB SSD is ideal, but you may need external storage for larger projects.
5. Display:
A laptop with 100% sRGB or Adobe RGB color accuracy ensures that your edits look the same across all screens. Consider a 4K display for precise color grading.
6. Battery Life:
Indian creators often work on the go, so a laptop with a battery life of 8-10 hours is a practical choice.
7. Connectivity:
Make sure your laptop includes Thunderbolt ports, USB-C, an SD card reader, and HDMI for connecting peripherals.
Why Renting Laptops for Video Editing Makes Sense
If you’re an editor in India and unsure about committing to a high-priced laptop, renting can be an excellent solution. Platforms like Rentopay allow you to access the best laptop for video editing without a large upfront cost, with plans starting from ₹849/month. With rental plans starting as low as ₹849 per month, renting gives you access to premium tools without a massive upfront cost.
Benefits of Renting:
- Flexibility to upgrade as your needs change.
- Affordable monthly rates compared to buying outright.
- No worries about maintenance or repairs.
Final Thoughts
Investing in the best laptop for video editing depends on your specific needs, whether they’re portability, performance, or budget. For professionals handling 4K or 8K projects, laptops like the MacBook Pro M4 Max or Asus ProArt Studiobook 16 are unmatched. For beginners, options like the Acer Nitro 5 or MacBook Air M2 provide great value. Want to learn more about how these laptops compare? Check out TechRadar for detailed reviews and benchmarks.
Choosing the best laptop for video editing depends on your workflow and budget. Whether you’re a professional editor or just starting, this list offers options for everyone. And if you’re unsure about committing to a purchase, renting a high-performance laptop is a great way to get started.
Ready to elevate your editing game? Explore Rentopay today!