The best laptops for video editing and content creation

The Dell XPS 15 is a powerhouse of a laptop. In fact, if you’re looking for Macbook-type power without signing your life over to Apple, this is probably the machine for you.

It has a beautiful OLED 3.5K display, which means it’s actually punching above the mighty MacBook Pro in that area. And you'll also be able to export big file videos quickly thanks to the powerful Intel Core i9 and RAM combo. The top-notch visuals are also bolstered by its top-of-the-line graphics card.

The display, which is generously sized, also has InfinityEdge technology. This means it maximises the visuals and touchscreen capabilities — right to the very edge. But best of all for content creators is the fact this has been built especially for you. It’s designed for photography, video editing, music, and graphic design.

There's no escaping the steep price, but it’s worth it if you need the power. 

If you want the power and user experience of Apple, but without the literal and figurative heft of the almighty MacBook Pro, check out the MacBook Air. It’s lighter, portable, and — because it has slightly less power under the hood — cheaper.

Previous gen Air laptops hadn’t quite matched up with creative tasks, but the introduction of the M1 chip — since upgraded to the M2 — has changed that. You’ll have few problems with powering though video editing work. With support for Apple’s professional editing tools like Final Cut Pro X, it’s a great choice for those who are used to Apple but aren’t ready to shell out the price for a MacBook Pro. 

It is cheaper than the MacBook Pro, though it’s worth noting that the Air isn’t as cheap as it once was. However, you can pick up the 2020 edition of the MacBook Air (with M1 chip) — still a brilliant laptop in its own right — for even less.

Creatives love something new and innovative, which is why some video makers will enjoy the Asus ZenBook Pro Duo 14 — a futuristic, distinctive laptop.

This device adds a second display, known as a ScreenPad, which gives users the option of cross-screen multitasking, built-in apps, and a creative editing control panel. It can be used as an extension of the main display, or to split windows up however you like. Both displays are touchscreen and OLED. In short, they look exquisite.

There are other bonuses, including a detachable palm rest, stylus pen, and both USB-C and HDMI connectivity. In fact, its Thunderbolt 4 connections will allow you to connect to external 4K displays — ideal for video editors.

The price is as hefty as the power this machine is packing, there’s no denying that. But there's also a pared-down, cheaper version listed on Amazon.

The MacBook Pro has always been Apple's powerhouse laptop — and, let’s be honest, the number one device in the laptop game — but it's gone to a new levels in the last few years with the tech giant’s M2 Pro chip.

But what does it mean, exactly? It means that this laptop can handle just about anything, including resource-intensive tasks like video editing. There’s a reason Mashable's reviewer called the MacBook Pro “baby’s first content creation machine.” It really is the best of the best when it comes to creative tasks. (There’s also an even more powerful M2 Max version, but for an extra cost of course.)

There’s lots more to love about the MacBook Pro too, including its beautiful display, impressive battery life, and a Magic Keyboard with fast-but-secure touch ID – not to mention that trademark synchronicity across Apple devices.

The Dell G5 15 is a gaming laptop first and foremost. For gaming-focused machines, it’s actually reasonably priced (these things don’t come cheap) and delivers impressive performance.

But gaming laptop means powerful processor and graphics card — not to mention a generous helping of RAM — which in turn means it’s designed for high-intensive tasks, so it’ll have no problem with video editing. And though its battery doesn’t match the likes of Apple, it can withstand extended sessions with resource-heavy programs. 

It's worth noting that this is not necessarily a video editing machine that you can just throw in your bag for doing video editing on-the-go. The hardware is chunky and heavy, making this a better option for parking in the home office.

This would obviously suit someone who likes to both game and needs video editing facilities. If that sounds like you, the Dell G5 15 is a strong purchase.