The best laptops for video editing, according to an experienced editor
Overview
These are the tech, tools, and products — from laptops to e-readers, from earbuds to robovacs, and more — that Mashable ranks best in class.
Table of Contents
Shopping for a new laptop is a tough task. With the sheer number of options, it's easy to fall into choice paralysis, where making a final decision feels impossible. If you're a creative type who needs a laptop for a very specific purpose — in this case, video editing — the stakes are even higher. Make the wrong choice, and it will really come back to bite you. You'll find yourself with a laptop that doesn't perform and end up in a deep financial hole.
To find the best video editing laptops, we reached out to Denver McQuaid, a creative marketing strategist who is also a seasoned VFX artist and video editor with a large following on Instagram and TikTok.
In an email conversation with Mashable, McQuaid walked us through the process of shopping for a great laptop for video editing. There was one clear winner — the new M4 MacBook Air. Still, it's not the only laptop we have to recommend.
What makes a video editing laptop "good"?
With so many laptops offering wildly different features, it's important to narrow down which ones matter the most. In McQuaid's opinion, there are three qualities that a good video editing laptop absolutely needs: Speed, solid battery life, and a good display size.
Having a laptop that can process tasks quickly and efficiently is paramount for video editing. "[Speed] can be achieved in many ways," said McQuaid, "including RAM, hard drive write speeds, processor clock speed, and graphics rendering." Battery life is pretty self-explanatory — the less time you spend charging, the more time you'll have to actually work on your projects. When it comes to display size, McQuaid said the more you can see, the better. "I edit on a 13-inch [laptop], but often with an external monitor." He travels for work, so he uses a more lightweight laptop with a smaller screen, though he recommends newer editors go bigger. "I don’t regret it, but more screen space is always nice to have."
What are the best laptops for video editing?
Like we already said up top, the MacBook Air was the clear winner as the best video editing laptop for most people (and if you want to splurge, you can pick up an M4 Pro). (Are you surprised? Probably not.) While the latest M4 MacBook Air is your best bet, McQuaid told us that even older MacBooks will do the trick. He uses a 2019-era MacBook Pro that predates even the M1 chip, and it still works just fine for his needs. "MacBooks have some drawbacks, but the pros outweigh the cons in my opinion," McQuaid told Mashable. "The MacBook OS is more user-friendly and ideal for transferring files from computer to phone, or vice versa, especially iPhones."
Of course, we realize that not everyone wants to jump into the Apple ecosystem, so we have recommendations from outside the famous fruit company. Check out our picks below, all chosen with vigorous hands-on testing and expert advice.
Apple MacBook Air (M4)
Best overall
The Good & The Bad
- The M4 chip is fast and powerful
- Runs very quietly
- Better FaceTime camera
- More affordable than ever before
- Refresh rate is capped at 60Hz
- Runs a bit hot when performing heavier tasks
Our review
Read our full review of the Apple MacBook Air (M4).
Who it's for
Apple's latest MacBook Air isn't the biggest upgrade over the M3, but it still packs in a better processor, some new features, and a much more competitive price point, placing it firmly as the MacBook with the most overall value and our top pick for video editors, no matter they're level of experience. If you need a decently powered laptop for your daily life but don't want something as overkill as the newest MacBook Pro, the M4 Air will be a great fit for you. And if you already own a MacBook Air model that precedes the M3, we think the M4 is well worth the upgrade.
Why we picked this
The latest take on the compact MacBook Air features a powerhouse of a CPU in Apple's most current M4 chip. It's 24 percent faster than the M3 Air, according to Mashable testing data, and in the top five speediest laptops we've ever tested. It runs near-silently, but does get a little bit hot under pressure thanks to the chip's "almost overkill" amount of horsepower, said Senior Editor Stan Schroeder in his review of the laptop. Still, you shouldn't have issues running video editing software like Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, and more.
Also new in the M4 MacBook Air is support for two external monitors while not in clamshell mode, as well as an upgraded 12MP camera. Unfortunately, the display's refresh rate is capped at 60Hz — hopefully, we get an upgrade in the near future to at least 120Hz. Still, this is a huge workflow upgrade, especially for busy video editors who're taking on multiple projects at once.
Perhaps the most attractive feature of the M4 Air, though, is the new price. The 13-inch version of the laptop starts at just $999, and the 15-inch version starts at $1,099. That's $200 cheaper than the M3 Air was at launch. At a time when most tech device prices are going up, it's nice to see a price decrease from a large company like Apple. This doesn't happen often, so take advantage of the deal while you can.
Details
Apple MacBook Pro (M4)
Best splurge pick
The Good & The Bad
- Longest MacBook Pro battery life
- High-quality webcam
- Speaker system sounds amazing
- Extra Thunderbolt 4 port
- More base RAM
- Top-tier processor
- No Face ID
- Pricey for most people
Our review
Read our full review of the 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro (M4).
Who it's for
The most recent M4 MacBook Pro is for the people who want all the top-of-the-line specs with zero compromises. While Qualcomm Snapdragon processors have been catching up (and sometimes beating) Apple's M3 chips recently, the M4 once again puts Apple back on top. With Apple's speediest and most powerful processor to date, the current Pro is game to tackle any task, including demanding video editing projects. Just be ready to drop $1,599, at the very least. We can't say it's the best value when it comes to MacBooks (that goes to our top pick, the M4 Air), but if you're an editing professional who needs the absolute best, then the M4 Pro is certainly the MacBook that can do the most.
Why we picked this
The M4 version of the MacBook Pro is by far the fastest and most powerful laptop that Apple has released to date, so of course it's on our list. Turns out, it's yet another stunner of a computer, receiving high marks from former Mashable Tech Editor Kimberly Gedeon. She wrote that the M4 Pro is "everything we hoped for and more," highlighting the machine's performance, battery life, and audio as some of the best improvements.
"The M4 chip is a monster that must be haunting Windows PCs' dreams," Gedeon said of the new processor. During her testing period, the MacBook Pro blew the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip out of the water when it came to performance benchmarks, and that's really saying something, because those newer Qualcomm processors are some of the best out there. That's good news for video editors who are multitasking on projects — you'll need the horsepower. "The 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro continues to have angelic audio that sounds like it's been tuned by a choir of heavenly beings," Gedeon also wrote, maintaining the high bar MacBook speakers set in the past.
The M4 MacBook Pro also received high marks for its battery life, which lasts around 17 hours (the best we've ever seen in a MacBook), and the webcam, which got a nice bump in quality from 1080p to 12 MP. As for negatives, there aren't many. We think the lack of Face ID is a glaring oversight — let's put that notch to use, please — and that the price tag is a little bit high. Still, if you're keen on splurging, we say it's worth the price of admission. If you want something that's a touch more affordable, try the M4 MacBook Air, which is our top pick overall for most video editors.
Details
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
Best Apple competitor
The Good & The Bad
- Pull-forward design is both convenient and unique
- Build quality is top-tier
- Haptic touchpad with adaptive touch mode
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Built-in Surface Slim Pen 2 storage and charging
- Great speakers
- Surface Slim Pen 2 sold separately
- Very expensive
- Heavy
Our review
Read Mashable's full review of the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2.
Who it's for
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is a match made in heaven for artists. The unique, pull-forward design really enhances the experience of working on big projects, and the gorgeous 120Hz display only sweetens the pot. Although heavy, the build quality is incredible and sure to last you for many years to come. Video editors, this laptop needs to be on your shortlist (as long as you have the budget, that is).
Why we picked this
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is one of the more special laptops that we've had the pleasure of testing out. To call it just a laptop doesn't seem right. According to Mashable Tech Editor Kimberly Gedeon, the device is better described as "a digital easel and tablet" thanks to its unique and convenient pull-forward design. It only gets better when you consider the beauty of the 120Hz, 2,400-by-1,600-pixel display (which sits somewhere between Full HD and 4K). The build quality of the machine is a marvel. The dual-level base helps keep the computer cool during intense usage with the vented lower level, and the upper level features a buttery-smooth touchpad and keyboard combo that is a joy to use. It makes the Surface Laptop Studio 2 quite heavy overall, but it's a fair tradeoff.
Other highlights of the Surface Laptop Studio 2 include a great-sounding audio system, as well as a built-in space for storing and charging a Surface Slim Pen 2, which, frustratingly, isn't included. Other than that somewhat egregious omission, and the fact that the device is a bit of a chore to lug around, the price point is high enough to make us tear up. While you do get what you pay for here, the over-$3,000 cost of admission is going to turn many content creators away, and we can understand why. But, if you've got the budget (or if you find it on sale), we say go for it.
Details
HP Spectre x360 14
Best 2-in-1
The Good & The Bad
- Sturdy construction
- Good amount of storage and RAM
- Rich and colorful display
- Great-feeling keyboard
- High-fidelity speaker system
- Oddly placed ports
Our review
Read Mashable's full review of the HP Spectre x360 14.
Who it's for
If you want the flexibility that comes with a 2-in-1 laptop but still want to be able to edit video efficiently, the HP Spectre x360 14 will be a solid option for you. It's got a pretty decent battery life, but where it really shines is in its ample storage and beautiful OLED display. It's also on the heftier side for those who want a more durable device, and the keyboard is downright addicting.
Why we picked this
The HP Spectre x360 14 is one of our favorite convertible laptops for more reasons than one, but among the biggest draws for the device is the 120Hz OLED touchscreen display. Mashable Tech Editor Kimberly Gedeon lauded the screen in her review, saying that "the rich, colorful visuals that emanated from the screen were stunning." The computer also has a powerful suite of internal specs, including a high-end Intel Core Ultra processor, 16GB of RAM, and two whole terabytes of SSD storage. Of course, the ability to switch from laptop to tablet mode at a moment's notice is another convenient feature for traveling creatives, and the whole package comes with an included stylus, which is always a welcome bonus.
While the HP Spectre x360 14 is a bulkier machine, those who want a more durable computer will probably be fine with the laptop's weight. It also has a great-feeling keyboard and trackpad setup, and the audio system sounds crystal clear. If we could change anything, it'd be the port placement — placing them on the corner of each side was a strange choice in our opinion, and it makes the device awkward to charge. But, that's easy to forget about once you start working with this genuinely great convertible.
Details
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to video editing laptops, RAM is an important spec to pay attention to. Generally speaking, the more RAM you have, the faster and more responsive your video playback will be, and it'll also help you run multiple applications simultaneously. So, if you find yourself using programs like Final Cut Pro or Adobe After Effects at the same time, then you'll want a decent amount of RAM. For most people, 16GB of RAM will be enough, and we wouldn't recommend going below that for video editing. The "sweet spot" would be somewhere between 32GB to 64GB.
Your laptop's processor, RAM, and storage space are the specs you'll want to pay the most attention to when shopping for a video editing machine, according to McQuaid. "More RAM means faster video playback and preview times, and file caching," he said. A higher amount of RAM is also essential for multitasking. "It's ideal when working in multiple programs at once, like Premiere, Photoshop, After Effects, Final Cut, etcetera. This happens more often than people realize, especially on professional projects."
When it comes to picking out a processor, it's a little more of a dealer's choice, although McQuaid called out Apple's M3 chip as a top contender. If you're buying a Windows laptop, then look for one of the newer Intel Core processors. "Typically, the number of cores is more important than processor clock speeds, as more cores at a slightly lower speed outperform fewer cores with faster speed," he said. But McQuaid also told us that it'll really come down to what programs you're using to determine the processor specs that you need. "A lot of Adobe editing software and effects aren’t fully optimized for multi-core rendering and processing," he told Mashable. "Knowing your editing workflow can help you decide what processor specs will actually be best for you."
Perhaps the most important spec to shell out for when picking out a laptop is storage, says McQuaid. "Do not skimp on storage," he said in our conversation. "As video files grow ever larger and get more high res, your drives will fill up faster than you expect!" He recommended that you go for at least 1TB of space and pick SSD storage over HDD because it's faster and more reliable (although he also says it's smart to have an external HDD on standby for long-term storage). More storage will come with a higher price tag, but it's worth the cost, said McQuaid. "Saving a little bit of money on smaller and slower hard drives now will cause ongoing and evergrowing file management headaches indefinitely...I have personal experience with this mistake, and refuse to make it again."
Screen size is an important factor when choosing a laptop for video editing, but that's not the only reason the display matters. "The display is crucial in a few ways," McQuaid told us. "One element people don’t often think about is the color science of different displays," he said, mentioning that final cuts of videos will look a lot different depending on what the viewer is watching them on. That's why making sure that your laptop can produce an accurate range of colors is a big deal. "[It] gives you the best chance at making content that will look amazing across the board," McQuaid concluded. Though, he also added that most laptop displays today are up to snuff in that regard, so unless you're shopping for an external monitor, you won't have to stress too much over this.
If you're going to be connecting your laptop to an external monitor when you start editing, the actual size of your laptop's display isn't going to be a huge factor. But if you're primarily going to be editing on the laptop itself, it's best not to go too small. Anywhere between 14 and 16 inches will allow you to get a clear view of your work without being cumbersome. What really matters is if your display portrays an accurate color gamut or not, so prioritize that before size.
McQuaid warned against going too cheap when picking up a new laptop for video editing, because you'll most likely have to pick up a new one earlier than you planned. A lot of cheap laptops won't be able to handle serious video editing at all. You should still stay within your budget, but it's better to invest as much as you feasibly can now so your laptop will last as long as possible, because upgrading certain laptops down the line may not be achievable (that's why the top picks in this guide are on the expensive side). "Saving a few hundred dollars now will cost more if you have to buy a whole new laptop two to three years sooner because of outdated specs," McQuaid said.
You can't judge a laptop by its appearance or advertised specs alone. As such, Mashable utilizes a rigorous hands-on testing process to review and recommend the best laptops to our readers, drawing upon takeaways from real-world usage and the results of industry-standard benchmarks. We record the findings of our testing in a rubric, and each laptop gets scored on a five-point scale on the basis of performance, design/build quality, battery life, and value. Read our full laptop testing methodology.
The laptops we review get put to work as our primary computers. This includes trying any unique software or use cases they support. We also subject all of our loaners to a multi-app/tab stress test and Primate Labs' Geekbench 6, which measures CPU performance in common tasks. Gaming laptops get put through additional graphical benchmarking.
As we're using a laptop, we zero in on certain components to evaluate its build quality. These include the display, keyboard, touchpad, webcam, speakers, and ports. We also assess its overall aesthetic and portability.
To gauge a laptop's stamina, we conduct a battery rundown test that involves playing a looped 1080p version of Tears of Steel, a short open-source Blender movie, at 50 percent brightness and 50 percent volume. Ideally, we hope to get at least 16.5 hours of battery life from a MacBook and at least nine hours of battery life from a Windows laptop.
We determine the ultimate value of a laptop by comparing its performance, design/build quality, and battery life to other laptops with similar pricing, specs, release dates, and use cases. We consider any accessories it comes with, any upgrades from its predecessor(s), and its future-proofing.
Dylan Haas is a Lead Shopping Reporter for Mashable, where he covers all things gaming, laptops, fitness, and shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day. Before joining the team at Mashable, Dylan received a B.A. in Communications from Pace University and contributed to publications like Paste Magazine, Bandsintown, and others following a brief stint as a marketing and management assistant in the music industry.
