8 Best Laptops for Video Editing in 2026

At a Glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2024)	exceptional performance and battery life
Best value	Acer Nitro V 15	capable gaming specs at a reasonable price
Best ultraportable	Asus ProArt PX13	serious power in a travel-friendly package
Best convertible	LG Gram Pro 2-in-1 16 (2025)	versatile for quick edits on the go
Best mid-size	Acer Swift 16 AI	balanced performance and screen real estate
Also recommended	Razer Blade 16	premium windows pick with a stunning 4k display
Also recommended	Apple MacBook Pro 16	bigger screen for more timeline and power
Also recommended	Dell XPS 15	reliable windows workhorse with great build quality

How we chose and tested

We analyzed professional Key criteria included CPU/GPU power for rendering, display quality for accurate color work, memory for multitasking, and practical considerations like keyboard comfort and port selection. We prioritized machines that handle 4K footage smoothly and export quickly.

The best laptops for video editing right now

Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2024) - Best overall

This machine sets the standard with Apple's silicon delivering exceptional performance while sipping battery. It handles 4K and 8K editing smoothly in Final Cut Pro and DaVinci Resolve.

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Key highlights

Apple M4 Pro/Max processors with dedicated media engines
Stunning 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with excellent color accuracy
long battery life for mobile editing
Excellent thermal management for sustained performance
macOS optimization for professional video applications

Pros

Outstanding performance per watt efficiency
Best-in-class display for color-critical work
Industry-leading battery life for mobile editing
Quiet operation even under heavy loads

Cons

Limited port selection (mostly Thunderbolt)
macOS only, not ideal for Windows-specific workflows
Premium pricing compared to Windows alternatives

Who it is for: Professional editors who need reliable performance, excellent color accuracy, and true mobility.

Skip if

You're locked into Windows-only software or need extensive port connectivity without dongles.

Acer Nitro V 15 - Best value

You get capable gaming hardware repurposed for video editing at a price that won't break the bank. It offers capable gaming hardware at a budget-friendly price.

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Key highlights

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40-series GPU for accelerated rendering
15.6-inch display with good color coverage for the price
Solid CPU performance from Intel or AMD H-series processors
Upgradeable RAM and storage options
Gaming heritage means good cooling under load

Pros

Excellent price-to-performance ratio
Good GPU acceleration for supported applications
Upgradeable components extend lifespan
Handles both editing and light gaming well

Cons

Display color accuracy lags behind premium models
Battery life is limited during intensive work
Build quality feels more utilitarian than premium

Who it is for: Budget-conscious editors and students who need capable hardware without premium pricing.

Skip if

You need perfect color accuracy or plan to edit unplugged for extended periods.

Asus ProArt PX13 - Best ultraportable

When you need serious editing power in a package that fits in a small bag, this 13-inch workstation delivers. It's designed specifically for creative professionals on the move.

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Key highlights

Compact 13-inch form factor with professional-grade components
Calibrated display with excellent color accuracy
Dedicated NVIDIA graphics in a surprisingly small chassis
Good port selection including Thunderbolt
Military-grade durability for travel

Pros

Genuine workstation performance in ultraportable size
Excellent display calibration out of the box
Durable construction withstands travel
Good thermal design for sustained performance

Cons

Small screen requires external monitor for complex timelines
Premium pricing for the compact form factor
Keyboard may feel cramped for extended typing sessions

Who it is for: Traveling professionals who need maximum power in minimum space.

Skip if

You work primarily at a desk with external monitors or prefer larger screens.

LG Gram Pro 2 - in-1 16 (2025) - Best convertible

This versatile machine lets you edit on the laptop, then flip to tablet mode for precise timeline scrubbing or client presentations. The 2-in-1 flexibility is genuinely useful for video workflows.

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Key highlights

16-inch touchscreen with excellent color reproduction
360-degree hinge enables laptop, tablet, and tent modes
Lightweight magnesium alloy construction
Good battery life for a 2-in-1 of this size
Includes stylus support for precise editing

Pros

Versatile form factor enhances editing workflow
Excellent screen quality with touch capability
Surprisingly lightweight for a 16-inch machine
Good performance for quick edits and reviews

Cons

Not as powerful as dedicated workstation laptops
Thermal constraints limit sustained heavy rendering
Premium price for the convertible feature set

Who it is for: Editors who value flexibility for client presentations, on-set reviews, or varied working positions.

Skip if

You primarily do heavy rendering or work exclusively in traditional laptop mode.

Acer Swift 16 AI - Best mid-size

This laptop hits the sweet spot between screen real estate and portability. The 16-inch display gives you room to work while remaining reasonably portable.

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Key highlights

16-inch display with good color coverage and brightness
Latest AI-accelerated processors for optimized performance
Balanced performance for both CPU and GPU tasks
Good keyboard and trackpad for extended editing sessions
Modern connectivity including Thunderbolt and Wi-Fi 7

Pros

Ideal screen size for editing without external monitor
Good balance of performance and portability
Modern connectivity future-proofs your investment
Comfortable typing experience for long sessions

Cons

Not the most powerful option in its class
Display quality good but not exceptional
Battery life varies significantly with workload

Who it is for: Editors who want a good-sized screen for mobile work without carrying an external monitor.

Skip if

You need maximum rendering power or perfect color accuracy for professional grading.

Also Good

Razer Blade 16 - premium windows pick with a stunning 4k display.
Apple MacBook Pro 16 - bigger screen for more timeline and power.
Dell XPS 15 - reliable windows workhorse with great build quality.

How to Choose

Focus on these factors based on your actual workflow:

1.CPU and GPU: Look for H-series processors (Intel or AMD) for sustained performance. A dedicated GPU accelerates rendering in supported applications, but isn't always necessary for basic editing.
2.Display quality: Color accuracy (measured in DCI-P3 or Adobe RGB coverage) matters for professional work. Size affects timeline visibility, 14-16 inches is the sweet spot for portability and usability.
3.Memory and storage: 32GB RAM handles 4K editing comfortably. SSDs are non-negotiable for modern editing, they dramatically improve application loading and timeline performance.
4.Portability vs. power: Smaller laptops travel better but may thermal throttle during long renders. Larger machines offer better cooling and often more powerful components.
5.Software ecosystem: macOS excels with Final Cut Pro and optimized applications. Windows offers broader software choice but more configuration variables. Choose based on your preferred applications.

FAQ

Do I really need a dedicated GPU for video editing?

It depends on your software and workflow. Applications like DaVinci Resolve and Premiere Pro benefit significantly from GPU acceleration, especially for effects and color grading. For basic cutting in Final Cut Pro or simpler applications, integrated graphics may suffice.

How much RAM do I actually need?

16GB is generally sufficient for video editing, with 32GB as a stretch goal for more demanding projects. It allows smooth timeline scrubbing with multiple layers and effects. 16GB works for 1080p or simple 4K projects, while 64GB+ benefits complex compositions with many effects or 8K footage.

Is battery life important for video editing laptops?

Less than you might think. Video editing consumes substantial power, so most professionals work plugged in. However, good battery life matters for reviewing footage, client meetings, or light editing between charges.

Should I consider a gaming laptop for video editing?

Yes, often. Gaming laptops typically have powerful CPUs and GPUs, good cooling, and high refresh rate displays. Many offer excellent value for video editing performance, though color accuracy may not match dedicated creative laptops.

Mac or Windows for video editing?

Both work well. Macs offer optimized performance with Final Cut Pro and generally better battery life. Windows provides more hardware choice and often better value for raw performance. Choose based on your preferred software and ecosystem.